Department for Transport

Driving under Influence

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the AA, RAC, RAC Foundation, Institute of Advanced Motoring, Police Federation, Fire Brigades Union and Royal College of Emergency Medicine on introducing a lower drink-driving limit in England and Wales as an effective and cost effective way of reducing road deaths; and if he will make a statement.

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the recent report by Public Health England on the significant increased risk of a crash occurring when a driver has above 40mg alcohol per 100ml blood.

Andrew Jones: My officials have met with these groups and heard their rationale for supporting a lower drink driving limit. However, the Government believes that rigorous enforcement and serious penalties for drink drivers are a more effective deterrent than changing the drink driving limit. A fundamental review on drink and drug driving was commissioned in 2009. My Hon Friend can read the coalition government’s response here, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-governments-response-to-the-reports-by-sir-peter-north-cbe-qc-and-the-transport-select-committee-on-drink-and-drug-driving, with which this Government agrees.

Heathrow Airport

Sarah Olney: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies on the financial viability of a third runway at Heathrow Airport of the finding of Transport for London in its report of March 2016, entitled Landing the Right Airport of March 2016, that upgrades to surface access will cost £15 billion to £20 billion.

Mr John Hayes: We do not accept the estimates of potential costs for surface access provision set out by Transport for London. It is not clear on what basis they were derived and appear to go far beyond work which might be necessary to support the construction of a new northwest runway at Heathrow Airport. The specific surface access arrangements will need to be determined between Government and the airport promoter as part of the necessary statutory planning process. The surface access plan is expected to include schemes which are already underway and which benefit the airport, such as Crossrail, which are already funded; schemes which are needed solely for the airport to expand, which Heathrow Airport will fund, and schemes which benefit the airport and the wider public, where funding will be considered separately.

Heathrow Airport

Sarah Olney: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will estimate the cost of upgrading surface access to Heathrow Airport in the event of a third runway being built at that airport.

Mr John Hayes: Heathrow Airport Limited have pledged to meet the costs of any surface access proposals that are essential to deliver airport expansion including works on the M25, the A4 and the A3044. Where surface access projects have wider beneficiaries, such as the Western Rail and Southern Rail proposals, the Government will consider funding a proportion based on benefits for airport users and other beneficiaries in line with our Aviation Policy Framework. The Airports Commission estimated that the potential costs of the surface access provision for a northwest runway were around £5bn but recognised that the finalised details, and therefore costs - would be determined as part of the statutory planning process.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Mrs Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what contingency plans for revisions to or re-routing of High Speed 2 have been prepared in the event that ground investigations in the Chilterns reveal that tunnelling in the area adds significantly to costs or presents unacceptable risks.

Andrew Jones: The HS2 Phase One hybrid Bill contains powers to vary the alignment of the track (or tunnel) either vertically and/or horizontally within the defined ‘Limits of Deviation’ set out in the Bill. Variation of the alignment within these limits would only be implemented in extreme circumstances. HS2 Ltd has taken a precautionary approach to planning the tunnels in the Chilterns and consequently the preliminary view, based on the available ground investigation information, does not indicate that any tunnel re-alignment will be necessary.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how (a) many High Speed 2 trains per hour and (b) long those trains will be that will serve Sheffield Midland on the basis of the new route proposal on the M18/Eastern route.

Andrew Jones: Our current assumption is that up to two High Speed 2 trains per hour will serve Sheffield Midland to and from London and up to two further trains per hour to and from Birmingham which would require an additional northern junction. This is shown in HS2 Ltd’s Economic Case for Phase 2b (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hs2-phase-2b-crewe-to-manchester-west-midlands-to-leeds-economic-case, Appendix 2, p.44). These trains are assumed to be 200m trains.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how (a) many High Speed 2 trains per hour and (b) how long those trains would have been that served Meadowhall station under the route proposal previous to the present proposal.

Andrew Jones: Our assumption was that for the previous proposal for serving South Yorkshire using Meadowhall station, up to two High Speed 2 trains per hour would have served Meadowhall to and from London and up to three to and from Birmingham. This is shown in HS2 Ltd’s Economic Case for Phase 2b (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hs2-phase-2b-crewe-to-manchester-west-midlands-to-leeds-economic-case, Appendix 2, p.42). These trains were assumed to be 200m trains apart from one London service of 400m.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many properties in Yorkshire are directly affected by the new High Speed 2 route proposal on the M18/Eastern route; and how many such properties were directly affected by the previous Meadowhall route.

Andrew Jones: Direct property impacts along the proposed M18/Eastern route would be around 51. The comparable figure for a Meadowhall route would be around 127.

A1

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what features of a smart motorway the proposed A1(M) widening project will include.

Mr John Hayes: The A1(M) Junctions 6 to 8 Smart Motorway scheme will involve upgrading the existing two-lane section of the A1(M) around Stevenage to Smart Motorway to provide additional capacity. Signs, signals, CCTV cameras and the monitoring system will be installed and the current hard shoulder will be strengthened to become a permanent running lane.

A1

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the number of annual users of the A1(M).

Mr John Hayes: Highways England only hold traffic flow counts at road link level i.e. one junction to another. The number of vehicles using the same road would be different from one link to another as vehicles join or leave the road at junctions. The number of vehicles using A1(M) northbound links ranges from approximately 5.5 million to 17 million vehicles per year and southbound links from 5 million to 17.1 million vehicles per year.

Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern Franchise: Rolling Stock

Peter Kyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 16 January 2017 to Question 59594, how many trains ran with fewer than the scheduled number of carriages during peak-time hours across the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise in December 2016.

Paul Maynard: Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) reported to us that 396 peak-time services operated with fewer than the scheduled number of carriages during railway period 1709 (13th November 2016 to 10th December 2016). The figures for period 1710 (11th December 2016 to 7th January 2017) have not been reported to the Department as yet. The services included within this total include a substantial number which GTR have incorporated in their ongoing force majeure claim, where the disruption caused by the unjustified union actions have resulted in rolling stock being out of position.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to figure 17 of his Department's publication, High Speed 2: from Crewe to Manchester, the West Midlands to Leeds and beyond, Cm 9355, whether the stated journey time benefits in the HS2 Phase B: Command Paper (Figure 17) for journeys from Sheffield Midland Station to Birmingham and Leeds include the upgrading of the existing line north of Sheffield Midland station to form the northern loop.

Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to figure 17 of his Department's publication, High Speed 2: from Crewe to Manchester, the West Midlands to Leeds and beyond, Cm 9355, whether journey time benefits for journeys from Sheffield Midland Station to Birmingham and Leeds include the upgrading of the existing line north of Sheffield Midland Station to form the northern loop.

Andrew Jones: As stated in the publication High Speed 2: from Crewe to Manchester, the West Midlands to Leeds and beyond, journey times on HS2 from Sheffield to Leeds and Birmingham are indicative estimates. The journey time benefits shown for Sheffield to Birmingham are estimated for services using the southern connection from the Eastern Leg of HS2 into Sheffield Midland station; journey times for Sheffield to Leeds are estimated for services using an electrified existing line north of Sheffield Midland and a connection back onto the Eastern Leg of HS2, forming the ‘loop’.

Home Office

Airports: Immigration Controls

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the longest period of time a (a) UK or EEA national and (b) non-EU citizen had to wait during December before passing through border checks at (i) Heathrow, (ii) Gatwick, (iii) Manchester, (iv) Stansted and (v) Luton airports was in each year since 2010.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Heathrow airport is currently the only provider to publish queue statistics on its website:http://www.heathrow.com/company/company-news-and-information/performance/airport-operations/border-forceThere were only five ports which fell below the 95% SLA performance target from 2012. Data before 2012 is not available. Data for December 2016 is not yet available.The performance data relates to passenger queuing times – defined as when a passenger / vehicle joins a static body of people / line of vehicles to when they arrive at the UK Border control desk - and as such excludes transaction times for clearance.

Deportation

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many enforced removals of failed asylum seekers were conducted in (a) Scotland, (b) England, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland in each month since January 2016.

Mr Robert Goodwill: I am sorry but the data required to answer the question can only be provided at disproportionate cost. The government produces regular data on asylum as part of its Migration Statistics and the latest release can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/572376/asylum2-q3-2016-tables.ods https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-statistics-july-to-september-2016/returns#data-tables

Police: North West

Mr Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many serving police officers in each constabulary in the North West received counselling in (a) 2014, (b) 2015 and (c) 2016 following an assault or attendance at a traumatic crime scene or road traffic accident.

Brandon Lewis: The information requested is not held by the Home Office. Chief constables have a duty of care for their workforce and must ensure they look after their health, safety and welfare appropriately. They are held to account on behalf of the public by elected police and crime commissioners.

G4S

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the implications for her Department's policies of the report by Liberty entitled G4S: a history of discrimination, human rights violations, malpractice and mismanagement in the UK, published in 2016.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Home Office has a rigorous governance process in place for all required goods and services. Suppliers are subject to robust due diligence during the well established, transparent and fair procurement process. Following procurement, every provider commissioned by the Home Office is held accountable via contractual compliance arrangements. Strategic suppliers such as G4S are actively managed across Government and are subject to internal and external governance protocols.

Brexit

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what role she has in discussions with the EU on the UK leaving the EU in the areas of justice, home affairs and co-operation on counter-terrorism, drugs and human trafficking.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Prime Minister will lead our negotiations for leaving the EU and will be supported on a day-to-day basis by the Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU). The Home Office remains the lead Department on counter-terrorism, drugs, human trafficking and many areas of justice and home affairs policy. I, along with my Department, will continue to work closely with colleagues across Government to support the UK’s wider exit negotiation strategy.

Immigrants: Detainees

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 15 December 2016 to Question 56463, when in 2017 her Department will ask Stephen Shaw QC to carry out a review of the adults at risk guidance.

Mr Robert Goodwill: We have invited Stephen Shaw to carry out a short review in autumn 2017 in order to assess progress against the key actions from his previous report. This will not specifically be a review of the adults at risk guidance - Mr Shaw’s previous report covered a range of issues related to vulnerable people in immigration detention.

Prisoners: Deportation

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many foreign nationals who had been held in UK prisons were removed on chartered deportation flights in the last 12 months; and what the cost of chartered deportation flights for such foreign nationals has been in the last five years.

Mr Robert Goodwill: In 2015/16, we removed 5,810 Foreign National Offenders (FNOs), the highest number of returns ever. Full details regarding returns and deportations can be found on the Gov.UK websitehttps://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-statistics-july-to-september-2016-data-tables Details regarding Home Office expenditure can be found on the Gov.UK website.https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/566256/Home-Office-Spending-Over-25000-June-2016-CSV.csv/preview

Asylum: Hostels

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 19 December 2016 to Question 57440, how the safety of asylum seekers housed in initial accommodation centres is protected when such centres go through public consultations and the planning process.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The asylum seeker accommodation contracts require providers to liaise and consult with local authorities prior to accommodating asylum seekers in any address, to ensure that accommodation provided to asylum seekers does not adversely affect local authority developments or community plans.Any accommodation used as Housing of Multiple Occupancy must, prior to use demonstrate or seek relevant planning consents in line with housing regulations. Providers must also take into account the cultural compatibility of the environment; capacity of local health, education and other support services; concentration of accommodation of service users within particular areas; and the assessment of social tension risks. Once an initial accommodation centre is operational we do not routinely comment on its location.

Marriage of Convenience: Deportation

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people were deported from the UK as a result of being involved in a sham marriage in (a) 2015 and (b) 2016.

Mr Robert Goodwill: We do not hold the requested data, in the requested format.

Slavery

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people have been identified as potential victims of modern slavery or trafficking as a result of Operation Magnify; and how many of those people have been detained due to lack of documentation.

Sarah Newton: The data requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Health Professions: Africa

Mr Peter Lilley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) doctors and (b) nurses and auxiliary nurses from (i) Nigeria, (ii) Ghana and (iii) other African countries have come to the UK under the points-based system in each year since 2008.

Mr Robert Goodwill: I am sorry but this information is not available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Free Movement of People

Richard  Arkless: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what controls within EU treaties have been exercised by the Government on freedom of movement since the Lisbon Treaty came into force.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The free movement of people is provided for in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and the Free Movement Directive. These set out the EU law rights of entry and residence in another EU Member State. This and certain Court of Justice decisions have been implemented in the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006.

Refugees: Children

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many refugee children have been supported to enter the UK in (a) 2015, (b) 2016 and (c) 2017.

Mr Robert Goodwill: From within Europe, we transferred over 900 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children to the UK in 2016 under the Dublin Regulation and section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016. In 2015, there were around 20 transfers of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children to the UK from Europe under the Dublin Regulation.From outside of Europe, 2,059 children were resettled to the UK under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme in year ending September 2016.The UK also supports refugee children to enter the UK via our Gateway and Mandate resettlement schemes and our refugee family reunion policy, however the published statistics do not break down these figures by those aged over and under 18.

Refugees: Children

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps the UK is taking to provide support for refugee children in (a) Europe and (b) the UK.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The UK has contributed significantly to hosting, supporting and protecting the most vulnerable children affected by the migration crisis. In the year ending September 2016, we granted asylum or another form of leave to over 8,000 children in the UK. The Government has also established a £10 million Refugee Children Fund to support the needs of vulnerable refugee and migrant children arriving in Europe. In 2016, we transferred over 900 unaccompanied asylum seeking children from within Europe to the UK. More eligible children will be transferred from Europe under the Immigration Act 2016 in the coming months and we will continue to meet our obligations under the Dublin Regulation to reunite asylum seeking children with their close families. Unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee children are supported by local authorities in accordance with the relevant children’s legislation in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In July last year the Government introduced the National Transfer Scheme to ensure there is a more even distribution of caring responsibilities for unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee children across the country. To support the scheme, the Home Office significantly increased the funding available to local authorities for the care and support of unaccompanied children.

EEA Nationals: Deportation

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 20 December 2016 to Question 55899, in what circumstances EEA nationals are removed from the UK under Operation Adoze.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Home Office's Operation Adoze was a pilot which ran, in London, in November and December 2015 and was aimed at tackling EEA Nationals who were abusing their free movement rights by rough sleeping.The Home Office worked closely alongside outreach teams and third sector organisations to ensure that, where appropriate, individuals received the support they needed.

Reik Machar

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether Reik Machar, the leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition, holds (a) UK citizenship and (b) a valid UK passport.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Home Office does not routinely comment on individual cases.

Dual Nationality: South Sudan

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many UK citizens hold dual nationality with South Sudan; and how many such citizens have valid UK passports.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Information on the number of British nationals with dual nationality is not held centrally.

Members: Correspondence

Drew Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the letter from the hon. Member for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey of 10 January 2017 requesting an urgent meeting.

Mr Robert Goodwill: A response has been sent and I will be meeting with the hon. Member for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey next week.

Immigration: EU Nationals

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Government's statement of 11 July 2016, The status of EU nationals in the UK, setting out the criteria under which EU nationals automatically have a permanent right to reside, whether EU nationals that (a) fulfilled those criteria on 23 June 2016, (b) fulfil those criteria on the date when Article 50 is triggered and (c) fulfil those criteria on the date when the UK leaves the EU will be required subsequently to register for documentation to confirm their resident status at those respective dates.

Mr Robert Goodwill: At present, the UK remains in the EU. This means that EEA and Swiss nationals in the UK, as well as UK nationals in other Member states, continue to have the same rights and status that they had before the referendum. Until the UK leaves the EU, an EU national who meets the conditions set out in regulation 15 of the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006 automatically acquires a right of permanent residence. They may obtain confirmation of this status by applying for a Document Certifying Permanent Residence, however, such documentation is not mandatory. The Prime Minister has been clear that she wants to protect the status of EU nationals already living here, and the only circumstances in which that wouldn't be possible is if British citizens' rights in European Member states were not protected in return. Following the UK’s exit, we will decide for ourselves how we control immigration and we will be free to pass our own laws. There are a number of options as to how EU migration might work once we have left. We are considering various options and it would be wrong to set out further positions at this stage.

Visas

Ms Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many applications (a) received, (b) accepted and (c) refused for UK visas have referred to rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights in each of the last three years.

Brandon Lewis: The use of PAVA spray is an operational matter for the police, to be used in accordance with the NPCC Personal Safety Manual.

Pornography

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance her Department has issued to police services on people viewing pornography in public places.

Brandon Lewis: There are a number of criminal offences that could apply to individuals viewing pornography in public places depending on the circumstances and context of the incident, and we expect the police to apply their operational discretion when an incident is reported. The Home Office has not issued specific guidance on this issue.

Asylum

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent estimate the Government has made of (a) the number of asylum seekers who have had to wait more than six months for their application to be decided, (b) the total number of applications outstanding and (c) the need for additional resources to clear the backlog.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Information on asylum decision times and cases awaiting decision is published as part of the Government’s Transparency agenda the latest release of which can be found at can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/asylum-transparency-data-november-2016. The Home Office no longer has an asylum backlog. In the year ending 31 March 2015 we completed a significant exercise in clearing all straightforward cases with a claim date preceding 1 April 2014. This required the progression of a number of cases far older than 12 months. We are now in a position where the majority of cases receive a decision within 6 months.

Immigration

Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what forecast the Government has made of the effect of immigration policy on the ratio of working people to retired people in the next (a) five, (b) 10 and (c) 20 years.

Mr Robert Goodwill: It has been the practice of successive Governments not to make such forecasts. There are numerous different factors that can affect migration flows. UK Population projections (including variants based on alternative assumptions of future fertility, mortality and net migration) are published by the independent Office for National Statistics at https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationprojections

Refugees: Children

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent progress has been made on resettling unaccompanied child refugees in the UK.

Mr Robert Goodwill: In 2016, we transferred over 900 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children to the UK from Europe, including more than 750 from France as part of the UK’s support for the Calais camp clearance.In addition, the Government has committed to resettle up to 3,000 individuals under the Vulnerable Children’s Resettlement Scheme (VCRS) from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by the end of this Parliament. The scheme is open to unaccompanied children where resettlement to the UK has been determined to be in the child’s best interests.

West Midlands Police: Finance

Liam Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the total of the police grant settlement for the West Midlands from her Department was in (a) 2015-16 and (b) 2016-17; and what the proposed such grant is for 2017-18.

Liam Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the total of the police grant settlement from her Department was in (a) 2015-16 and (b) 2016-17; and what the proposed such grant is for 2017-18.

Brandon Lewis: Information on 2017/18 police funding was published on 15 December 2016, on the Government website and is available at the following location: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/provisional-police-grant-report-2017-to-2018 Information on 2016/17 police funding was published on 4 February 2016, on the Government website and is available at the following location: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-police-grant-report-england-and-wales-2016-to-2017 Information on 2015/16 police funding was published on 4 February 2015, on the Government website and is available at the following location: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-police-grant-report-england-and-wales-2015-to-16

Undocumented Migrants: Children

Stuart C. McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many children of undocumented migrants who have been denied access to the private rental market under the right to rent scheme have subsequently applied for support under section 17 of the Children Act 1989.

Stuart C. McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many undocumented migrants who have been denied access to the private rental market under the right to rent scheme have subsequently been (a) housed by a local authority and (b) referred by a local authority to a housing scheme.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Home Office does not hold the figures requested. This is because as with right to work checks, the Right to Rent scheme is predicated on checks being carried out by third parties (in this case landlords and lettings agents). This means that the majority of illegal migrant prospective tenants will be denied access to the private rented sector as a result of these checks with no intervention by enforcement officers or reference to the Home Office. An evaluation of the first six months of the scheme, published by Home Office Science in October 2015, showed there was no evidence of an increased burden on local authorities in the West Midlands. Monitoring of the effects of the Right to Rent scheme on landlords and tenants is also ongoing through the expert Landlords Consultative Panel, co-chaired by the Immigration Minister and Lord Best, an acknowledged expert in the fields of housing and planning. The Panel comprises bodies representing landlords, lettings agents, housing charities, local authorities and the Equality and Human Rights Commission amongst others. The Panel meets periodically, and communication channels outside these meetings allow for reporting by private rented sector and third sector groups of the experience of those they represent.

Police: Sick Leave

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many police officers were on a leave of absence from work due to mental illness in each year from 2010.

Brandon Lewis: The Home Office does not hold data centrally on the number of police officers who were on a leave of absence from work due to mental illness. The Home Office collects and publishes data on the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) officers on certified long-term sick leave as at 31 March each year. Long-term absence due to sickness includes officers on leave for 28 days or more. These data are published as part of the police workforce statistics: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/police-workforce-england-and-wales-31-march-2016 However, these data do not allow the reasons for long term sick leave to be separately identified. We have given chief constables more tools and flexibility to deploy people in the way that best meets local need whilst meeting their duty of care towards their officers. For instance, last year the Home Office introduced measures to ensure that officers placed on Adjusted Duties are assessed regularly and that support is focused around the needs of the individual. The College of Policing also supports chief constables by advising forces on matters of health, safety and welfare and by supporting them in a range of measures to help reduce sickness and stress.

Refugees: Children

Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress the Government has made on relocating child refugees from France, Greece and Italy; and how many child refugees have been so relocated to the UK since the Immigration Act 2016 came into force.

Mr Robert Goodwill: In 2016, we transferred over 900 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children to the UK from Europe, including more than 750 from France as part of the UK’s support for the Calais camp clearance. Approximately 200 of these children met the criteria for section 67 of the Immigration Act.More eligible children will be transferred from Europe, in line with the terms of the Immigration Act, in the coming months and we will continue to meet our obligations under the Dublin Regulation. In addition to our long standing secondee in Italy, we have seconded an expert to Greece who has been working closely with UNHCR, IOM and the Greek authorities to identify potentially eligible children under section 67 of the Immigration Act and support transfers under the Dublin Regulation.

Crimes of Violence: Mental Illness

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many physical assaults by mentally ill people have been reported in each of the last five years.

Brandon Lewis: Recorded crime data that the police supply to the Home Office does not include information on the mental health of offenders.

Slavery

Oliver Dowden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she plans to take to ensure that public bodies implement section 52 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Sarah Newton: We published guidance on the Modern Slavery Act on GOV.UK and a circular was sent to all bodies who are subject to the duty when section 52 was first introduced. In October 2016, we launched a communications campaign to raise awareness amongst public bodies and made communications materials available on GOV.UK. We will continue to promote the duty to notify in consultation with key partners.

Police Custody: Riot Control Weapons

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what information her Department holds on how many times pelargonic acid vanillylamide spray has been used in custody situations in each of the last five years; and what plans are in place to ensure that staff are trained to be aware of its proper use within the context of a custody suite.

Brandon Lewis: The use of PAVA spray is an operational matter for the police, to be used in accordance with the NPCC Personal Safety Manual.

Police: Animals

Mrs Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions she has had with the (a) Ministry of Justice and (b) Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on penalties available for those convicted of causing injury to police support animals; and if she will make a statement.

Brandon Lewis: This Government is clear that an attack on a police animal is a very serious offence. Whilst severe penalties are already in place to punish those who commit such crimes I am exploring with Ministerial colleagues and police leaders whether there is more that the law should do to offer the most appropriate protections to police and all other working animals. I have written to Ministerial colleagues at the Ministry of Justice and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and will be meeting with them in due course to consider options further.

Police: Cameras

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many body-worn cameras are held as resources by police forces in (a) total and (b) each police force area in England and Wales.

Brandon Lewis: The decision to procure and deploy body worn video (BWV) cameras is an operational one for Police and Crime Commissioners and chief officers. Most forces in England and Wales use BWV to some extent. Each force will have its own implementation plan and schedule for the rollout of cameras.

Fraud: Internet

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion of the policing budget in England and Wales was spent on investigation of online fraud in each of the last five years.

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion of the policing budget for England and Wales was spent on the prevention of online fraud in each of the last five years.

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much was spent from the policing budget for England and Wales on the prevention of online fraud in each of the last five years.

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much and what proportion of public funding for policing in England and Wales was spent on investigation of online fraud in each of the last five years.

Brandon Lewis: The Home Office does not hold this information. How much of the policing budget is allocated to a specific workstream or activity within a police force area is a matter for individual Police and Crime Commissioners in consultation with their Chief Constable.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Green Investment Bank: Edinburgh

Michelle  Thomson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department has taken to safeguard the Green Investment Bank's headquarters in Edinburgh and the jobs it supports after the planned privatisation of that bank.

Mr Nick Hurd: Scotland has a strong renewable energy sector, and Edinburgh continues to offer a great deal in terms of renewable energy expertise and attractive investment opportunities. We have asked potential investors to confirm their commitment to the Green Investment Bank’s (GIB) green values and investment principles, and how they propose to protect them, as part of their bids for the company. GIB is being sold as a going concern and potential investors will be buying into the company’s green business plan and forward pipeline projects. The Green Investment Bank’s Chairman, the noble Lord, Lord Smith of Kelvin is strongly committed to the Edinburgh office.

Minimum Wage

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answers of 15 November 2016 to Questions 52386 and 52387, and with reference to paragraph 1.8 of the National Audit Office report, Ensuring Employers Comply with National Minimum Wage Regulations, published in May 2016, and paragraph 5.191 of the Low Pay Commission's Autumn 2016 report, what the reasons are for the difference between the figure of £3.84 million given for the total sum of arrears identified through the self-correction mechanism in 2015-16 provided in those Answers and the figure of £4.6 million in those reports.

Margot James: Questions 52386 and 52387 related to different subsets of arrears totals for 2015/16 – respectively these are: (a) £688,695 self-corrected arrears owed by employers found to be non-compliant with the national minimum wage but not issued with a Notice of Underpayment or financial penalty;(b) £3,154,112 additional, self-corrected arrears owed by employers who were issued with a Notice of Underpayment and a penalty. The £4.6m figure for self-correction quoted in both the National Audit Office May 2016 report and the Low Pay Commission’s November 2016 report is another subset of 2015/16 arrears, given to the NAO before figures for 2015/16 were finalised. This includes the figures quoted above as well as: (a) £742,587 arrears voluntarily disclosed by employers who took part in HM Revenue and Custom’s 2015 National Minimum Wage campaign(b) £3,560 arrears owed by employers who were issued with a Notice of Underpayment but no penalty.

Business: Government Assistance

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what companies each Minister of his Department has responsibility for government relationships with.

Margot James: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Green Investment Bank

Clive Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, on what date Shareholder Executive authorised the Green Investment Bank to set up OSW Co Holdings 1 Limited, Galloper Holdco Ltd, Rampion Holdco Limited, Rampion Investco Limited, OSW LP Holdco Limited, WMR Holdco Limited, Project G Holdings 1 Limited and Project G Holdco Limited.

Clive Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what level of ministerial clearance was required by Shareholder Executive to enable the Green Investment Bank to set up OSW Co Holdings 1 Limited, Galloper Holdco Ltd, Rampion Hold Co Limited, Rampion Investco Limited, OSW LP Hold Co Limited, WMR HoldCo Limited, Project G Holdings 1 Limited and Project G Holdco Limited.

Mr Nick Hurd: In November and December 2016 the Green Investment Bank (GIB) incorporated twelve new Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs): Galloper Holdco Limited; OSW Co Holdings 1 Limited; OSW Co Holdings 2 Limited; OSW LP Holdco Limited; Project G Holdco Limited; Project G Holdings 1 Limited; Project G Holdings 2 Limited; Rampion Holdco Limited; WMR Holdco Limited; Rampion Investco Limited; New Green Interim Holdco Limited; and UK Green Investment Lyle Limited.The SPV ‘UK Green Investment Lyle Limited’ was incorporated in the course of business-as-usual to support GIB’s investment in the Lincs offshore wind farm (publicly announced by GIB on 13 January 2017).The remaining eleven SPVs were incorporated in order to facilitate the potential introduction of private capital in to a number of GIB’s offshore wind assets, following discussion between GIB and the UK Government. These entities are currently dormant and own no assets.

Tidal Power

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what information he holds on where the proposed tidal lagoon power plants in England and Wales, other than Swansea Bay, are likely to be built.

Jesse Norman: The Government is currently considering the recommendations set out in the Hendry Review, including its assessment of site location for tidal lagoons. The proposed Swansea Bay project is the only project which has received a Development Consent Order. The Hendry Review considers other possible sites; none of these have entered the planning process. A Government response to the Hendry Review will be published in due course.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Russia: Romania

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on alleged Russian interference in the affairs of the government of Romania.

Sir Alan Duncan: We have received no reports about Russian interference in the affairs of the Government of Romania.

Russia: Montenegro

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on alleged Russian interference in the affairs of the government of Montenegro.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Government is very concerned about various reports that we have received of alleged Russian interference in the affairs of the government of Montenegro, including a coup plot on election day last October, and is working closely with partners on the issue.

Russia: Czech Republic and Slovakia

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on alleged Russian interference in the affairs of the government of (a) the Czech Republic and (b) Slovakia.

Sir Alan Duncan: We have received no reports about Russian interference in the affairs of the government of the Czech Republic or Slovakia.

Russia: Bulgaria

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on alleged Russian interference in the affairs of the government of Bulgaria; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Alan Duncan: We have received no reports about Russian interference in the affairs of the government of Bulgaria.

Bahrain: Capital Punishment

Margaret Ferrier: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the government of Bahrain on the death sentences against Abbas al-Samea, Sami Mushaima and Ali al-Singace; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Mr Johnson) released a statement on 15 January where he outlined the UK’s firm opposition to the death penalty. It is our longstanding position to oppose capital sentences in all circumstances. The Bahraini authorities are fully aware of our position and the Foreign Secretary has raised the issue with the Government of Bahrain.

Montenegro: NATO

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to assist Montenegro's application to join NATO.

Sir Alan Duncan: Following the signing of Montenegro's Accession Protocol last May, the UK was the first major NATO Ally to ratify it in November 2016. The Foreign Secretary met with Montenegrin Foreign Minister Darmanovic in the margins of the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting on 7 December 2016 and reiterated the UK's strong support for Montenegro's accession. He also urged other NATO Allies to ensure that their own ratification processes proceeded as swiftly as possible, to ensure that Montenegro can take its place as the 29th member of the Alliance in the first half of 2017.In addition to political support, the UK has provided practical assistance throughout the accession process. We have for example continued to provide capacity building support in a range of areas, including strategic communications, public diplomacy and senior defence leadership training. We hope shortly to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that will underpin military cooperation between the UK and Montenegro.

Ascension Island: Aviation

Stephen Gethins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what biosecurity standards will be followed when equipment and construction materials are imported into Ascension Island for resurfacing that island's runway.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Ascension Island Government will aim to introduce the best biosecurity industry standards for all imported equipment and construction materials utilised in the runway resurfacing project.

Buildings: EU Countries

Stephen Gethins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in which locations the UK shares overseas premises with other EU countries.

Alok Sharma: ​​The UK is currently co-located with EU countries in nine locatons: The Hague, Chisinau, Niamey, Dar Es Salaam, Gaborone, Port of Spain, Pyongyang, Quito and Juba. We define co-location as circumstances in which there is a financial relationship between us and our co-location partner.

Yemen: Military Intervention

Ms Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he first became aware of reports that UK-manufactured cluster bombs were used to target civilians in Yemen.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: My Rt Hon. Friend the then Foreign Secretary (Phillip Hammond) was made aware of reports that UK-made BL-755 cluster munitions were used in Yemen in an update to the Minister on May 23, 2016.The current Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Mr Johnson) was aware of the allegations before entering the office. He was briefed by officials during his first month in office.

South Sudan: Politics and Government

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans the Minister for Africa and the Middle East has to meet with South Sudanese opposition leaders in the UK.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: ​Engagement with South Sudanese leaders across the political spectrum is a critical component of our efforts to call for an end to the violence and support work towards an inclusive and sustainable resolution to the conflict. The UK Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan is tasked with this engagement and regularly meets with South Sudanese opposition leaders, including those in the UK.

Central America and Mexico: Human Rights

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions Ministers and officials of his Department had on the issue of attacks and threats to human rights defenders during the recent visit to Central America and Mexico.

Sir Alan Duncan: The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Noble Friend, the Rt Hon. Baroness Anelay of St Johns, visited Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico from 12 to 16 December. Throughout her visit she held a number of discussions, with both government and civil society representatives, on the issue of attacks and threats to human rights defenders (HRDs). This included: In Guatemala, meeting key human rights contacts from the executive, legislature, judiciary and civil society, all of whom agreed on the key role played by HRDs and the need to give them protection;In El Salvador, meeting NGOs to discuss threats against the International Committee of the Red Cross and the LGBT&I community. Baroness Anelay also met Supreme Court judges to express the UK's support for their work to defend human rights, especially relating to prisons conditions;In Honduras, meeting female HRDs, who described difficulties relating to freedom of expression and the criminalisation and stigmatisation of HRDs; and, during an engagement with government representatives including the Minister for Human Rights, stressing the importance of protecting HRDs and improving the human rights environment in the country; andIn Mexico, urging the Government to prevent and follow up cases of corruption and torture, and underlining the importance of implementing convincing actions following the disappearance of 43 student teachers in Aytozinapa in 2014; and hearing how female journalists had experienced intimidation after reporting on issues such as enforced disappearances, on which the Minister expressed deep concern.

Diplomatic Relations

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to his oral contribution of 10 January 2017, Official Report, column 148, which embassies have been asked for apologies on account of their officials' remarks.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not maintain such records centrally.

Gaza: Visits Abroad

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the level of cooperation of the Israeli government in fact-finding visits to Gaza by UK parliamentarians.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: ​We have not made any assessment on this issue, as we do not make representations on behalf of British nationals, including parliamentarians, wishing to travel to Gaza. Parliamentarians should be aware that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all travel to Gaza. Entry and exit from Gaza is difficult and can, at times, be impossible. Entry is through either Israel, with permission from the Israeli authorities, or Egypt, with permission from the Egyptian authorities (although this border has been closed almost entirely since October 2014).

Occupied Territories: Overseas Aid

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for International Development on the review of funding to the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Department for International Development’s (DFID) ongoing examination of UK aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories has been carried out in close collaboration with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Mr Johnson), discussed the review with the Secretary of State for International Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Witham (Ms Patel), on 13 September 2016. On 16 December 2016 , the FCO and DFID issued a joint statement confirming the continuation of UK support to the Palestinian Authority.

Gaza: Construction

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Israeli government on the restriction of building materials entering Gaza.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: ​We remain deeply concerned by the situation in Gaza. I raised this with the Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister on 12 December and officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv also raised the situation with the Israeli authorities on 5 December. Officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv and our Consulate General in Jerusalem regularly raise the need to make progress towards a durable solution for Gaza, and press for practical steps to advance reconstruction and economic development with both the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority.

West Bank: Demolition

Dr Rupa Huq: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his Department's policy is on EU member states seeking compensation from the Israeli government as a result of that country's demolition of EU-funded structures in Area C of the West Bank.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The EU has not to date asked for compensation for EU funded infrastructure. No decision has been made yet as to whether to claim compensation in the future. The UK is focused on preventing these demolitions from happening in the first place, and supporting those affected. We are working with other EU member states to make clear to Israel the need to provide a reasonable means for Palestinians to gain planning permission in Israeli controlled areas of the West Bank (Area C) and the need to halt all demolitions until a more effective process is in-place.

USA: Yemen

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he had with the US administration on Yemen during his recent visit to the US in January 2017; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The UK continues to actively engage and work with the US on the current situation in Yemen to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Mr Johnson) last met with Senator Kerry to discuss the situation in Yemen at the Quadrilateral in London on 16 October. I met with Senator Kerry at the Quadrilateral in Riyadh on 18 December.

Yemen: Visits Abroad

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he next plans to visit Yemen.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Mr Johnson) has no current plans to visit Yemen.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Senior Civil Servants

Stephen Gethins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many senior civil servant posts there were in his Department in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Sir Alan Duncan: On 31 December 2016, there were 390 senior civil service posts within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, including our overseas network.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Senior Civil Servants

Stephen Gethins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many senior civil servant posts are unfilled in his Department.

Sir Alan Duncan: On 31 December 2016, 3 senior civil service posts within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office were unfilled.

Mongolia: Climate Change

Stephen Gethins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made on the social, economic and political effect of climate change in Mongolia.

Alok Sharma: ​We have made no recent assessment of the impact of climate change on Mongolia.However, the UK has supported Mongolia's efforts to adapt to the effects of a changing climate. A Darwin Initiative project is enabling traditional herders to access the voluntary carbon market; the UK supports Mongolia's work to tackle the Illegal Wildlife Trade; and the UK is working with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank to help finance the development of renewable energy in Mongolia through the Scaling Up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP).

China: Football

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2017 to Question 59261, on football: China, if he will publish the advice he received before the decision was made to allocate that funding.

Alok Sharma: This is a British Council project which is funded through surplus generated by the commercial activity of the British Council. No additional Exchequer funding was made available for this project. China has begun a huge investment in football and this project is helping to establish the UK as their priority partner for sport. It will help to promote UK football in a major market, leading to long-term cultural and economic gains for the UK.The British Council has advised that the programme is generating direct economic benefits for UK Higher Education and training sectors, and has helped to create the condition for indirect benefits across the wider sporting sector in relation to the establishment of private training academies, sports infrastructure, sports technology, sports TV and merchandising rights.A letter from the Chief Executive of the British Council providing an update on the project to date will be placed in the Library of the House within ten working days.

China: Football

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2017 to Question 59261, on football: China, when he plans to assess the effect of the funding provided.

Alok Sharma: The British Council has confirmed that there will be annual progress reports and a full evaluation will be undertaken on completion of the programme in 2020.The programme started in 2016-17. The British Council anticipates the first report being completed in May 2017, assessing the first year of the programme.

China: Football

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2017 to Question 59261, on football: China, which organisations the funding was allocated to.

Alok Sharma: The British Council is directly managing the UK's contribution to this programme. It is not allocating funding to other organisations. In addition to the UK's £3 million allocation, the Chinese partners have invested a significantly higher sum which will be directly invested in the UK, for example through payment to UK Universities and UK training organisations for 600 Chinese coaches to train in the UK.China has begun a huge investment in football and this project is helping to establish the UK as their priority partner for sport. It will help to promote UK football in a major market, leading to long-term cultural and economic gains for the UK, which may include benefits across the wider sporting sector in relation to the establishment of private training academies, sports infrastructure, sports technology, sports TV and merchandising rights.

Northern Ireland Office

Northern Ireland Office: iNHouse Communications

Melanie Onn: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland,  whether his Department has awarded any commercial contracts to iNHouse Communications Ltd in the last five years.

Kris Hopkins: The Northern Ireland Office has not awarded any commercial contracts to iNHouse Communications Ltd. in the last five years.

Northern Ireland Office: iNHouse Communications

Melanie Onn: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether his Department is in communication with iNHouse Communications Ltd in relation to any ongoing commercial tender process.

Kris Hopkins: The Northern Ireland Office is not in communication with iNHouse Communications Ltd. in relation to any ongoing commercial tender process.

Attorney General

Government Legal Service

Keith Vaz: To ask the Attorney General, how many lawyers are employed in the Government Legal Service; and how many such lawyers are (a) women and (b) from ethnic minority communities.

Robert Buckland: The Government Legal Service (GLS) is not a department but a grouping of the legal profession within Government. Government lawyers take different forms; some are employed by the Government Legal Department (GLD), others employed by regulators and organisations at arm’s length from Government. The GLS is supported by a very small secretariat of fewer than five staff and does not systematically collect information as data is held by the lawyer’s own organisations. We are therefore unable to provide this information for the GLS. There is data for the GLD, which is the single largest ‘member’ of the GLS and the largest provider of legal services to government. As of 31 December 2016 the figures for the Government Legal Department are as follows:Number of lawyers1,400Number of female lawyers896Number of lawyers from ethnic minority communities *187Number of female lawyers from ethnic minority communities *132*This figure is obtained from the information that is voluntarily self-recorded by employees

Department for International Development

Department for International Development: Policy

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will provide a comprehensive list of the public policy targets established by her Department (a) between 2010 and May 2015 and (b) since May 2015.

Rory Stewart: DFID’s public policy targets between 2010 and May 2015 are summarised in the publication ‘UK Aid: Changing aid, delivering results’ which concluded the Bilateral and Multilateral Aid Reviews of 2010.Public policy targets since May 2015 are summarised in ‘Rising to the challenge of ending poverty’ which concluded the Bilateral and Multilateral Development Review of 2015, along with the Research Review, and Civil Society Partnership Review.

Yemen: Malnutrition

Stephen Gethins: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what reports she has recently received of child malnutrition and starvation in Yemen.

Rory Stewart: According to the recently published UN Humanitarian Needs Overview for Yemen, almost half a million children under 5 suffer from severe acute malnutrition, and 2.8 million children and pregnant or lactating women are affected by moderate acute malnutrition.In 2016/17, the UK is providing £19 million to UNICEF to treat children with severe acute malnutrition and support mobile health clinics. Last year, we helped treat over 150,000 children under 5 for severe acute malnutrition.

Department for Education

Careers and Enterprise Company

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 7 December 2016 to Question 55535, in (a) how many and (b) what proportion of schools in (i) Hull and (ii) each region is the Careers and Enterprise Company's Enterprise Adviser Network active.

Robert Halfon: The Careers & Enterprise Company is continuing to make excellent progress towards transforming the provision of careers, enterprise and employer engagement experiences for young people.Based on the most recent data (December 2016), the Company’s Enterprise Adviser Network is now active in 37 out of the 38 Local Enterprise Partnership areas, and 1,302 secondary schools and colleges across the country have signed up to the network. This represents 38% of all mainstream state-funded secondary schools/colleges in the country. Of these, 1,014 (78%) have been matched to an Enterprise Adviser and 11 schools have been matched in Hull.The Company does not yet have fully reported data, by region, for its Enterprise Adviser Network. This will be available in March 2016 on the Company’s website at: www.careersandenterprise.co.uk.

English Language: Education

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what information the Government holds on the amount of funding from the public purse which has been made available for lessons in English for speakers of other languages in constant prices in each of the last 10 years.

Robert Halfon: The table below shows estimated funding for adult skills budget English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) provision from 2009/10 onwards, and also includes funding by the Department for Communities and Local Government. We do not hold data before 2009/10. Funding for ESOL is allocated by the Skills Funding Agency as part of a provider’s adult skills budget. In addition, there are a number of ESOL courses funded through the Agency’s community learning budget, but we do not collect data which enables us to provide a breakdown of the expenditure on these. SFA-funded providers which deliver ESOL include Further Education colleges, local authorities and a few other providers From 2013/14 the Department for Communities and Local Government has directly funded six projects to engage isolated adults with poor or no English who had not previously accessed mainstream training.YEARDfE ACADEMIC YEAR ESTIMATED FUNDING* (Adult Skills Budget)DCLG FINANCIAL YEAR FUNDING FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROJECTS2009/10£203m 2010/11£169m 2011/12£117m 2012/13£128m£0.12m2013/14£120m£2.14m2014/15£104m£3.66m2015/16£90m£2.53m *(Formerly the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) – funding values are estimated using data from the Individualised Learner Record (ILR). Estimated funding provides an indication of the level of government funding and should not be treated as actual spend.

Overseas Students: EU Nationals

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate she has made of the number of EU (a) undergraduate and (b) graduate students who have remained in (i) Greater London, (ii) the London Borough of Newham and (iii) East Ham constituency after the end of their course in each of the last six years.

Joseph Johnson: The information requested is not available. Destinations of students six months after leaving UK higher education are collected and published annually by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) as part of the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey. However, the location of residence of higher education leavers is not collected in the DLHE survey.Latest statistics were published in June 2016 for students leaving their courses in the 2014/15 academic year and are available at the following link:https://www.hesa.ac.uk/news/30-06-2016/sfr237-destinations-of-leavers

Offences against Children

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Government's consultation of February 2016 on the statutory definition of child sexual exploitation, whether her Department plans to update the definition of child sexual exploitation.

Edward Timpson: On 12th February 2016 the Government published the consultation Statutory definition of child sexual exploitation, to provide clarity on the definition of child sexual exploitation and to ensure that all professions are using the same definition as they create joint risk assessments and work together to target disruption and investigate offending. The Government has analysed the responses to the consultation on the proposed changes and a revised definition will be published shortly, along with revised guidance for practitioners responding to child sexual exploitation.The consultation can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/statutory-definition-of-child-sexual-exploitation

Schools: Discipline

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many behaviour managers were employed in (a) Liverpool, Wavertree constituency, (b) Liverpool and (c) all local authorities in each year since 2010.

Nick Gibb: In 2015, there were 409,300 full-time equivalent support staff employed in state funded schools in England. Of these, 1,900 full-time equivalent support staff were employed as Behaviour Managers. In addition, there were 90 full-time equivalent teachers in England whose main additional role was that of a Behaviour Manager.Time series statistics for Liverpool local authority and England are available in the following table. Statistics for Liverpool, Wavertree constituency are not available. Full-time equivalent behaviour managers in service in state funded schools in Liverpool local authority and England, November 2010 to 2015. Liverpool LAEngland Support StaffTeachers[1]Support StaffTeachers2010[2]........20111001,5009020121001,6508020131001,72090201410-1,86090201510-1,90090[1] ‘-‘ less than 5 teachers.[2] November 2010 figures are not available on a comparable basis.Source: School Workforce CensusFigures are rounded to the nearest 10.

Universities: China and India

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to promote the role of UK universities in (a) China and (b) India.

Joseph Johnson: The Government is actively promoting the role of UK universities in China and India through Government-to-Government forums and bilateral programmes. We recognise the educational, economic and diplomatic importance of international higher education collaboration for the UK.At the UK-China Education Summit in September 2015, I signed a new UK-China Partners in Education Framework with China’s then Minister for Education, Yuan Guiren. The Framework aims to increase collaboration across all areas of education, including university collaboration. Last September, I led a delegation of 25 senior UK university representatives to China for the Pujiang Innovation Forum, China’s leading innovation conference. Last month, the Secretary of State for Education, Justine Greening, and China’s new Minister for Education, Chen Baosheng, co-chaired the 9th UK-China Education Summit in Beijing. They approved an Action Plan to operationalise the new Framework. It includes a new UK-China Knowledge Economy and Education Partnership programme (KEEP) focusing on larger scale university collaborations to ensure the UK is building competitive and sustainable long-term partnerships with China. The UK is currently the number one transnational education provider in China with over 270 joint initiatives at higher education level. Many UK universities are active partners in joint UK-China research projects funded under the auspices of the Newton Fund.In November 2016, I also led a delegation of 25 UK universities to the UK-India Tech Summit, where they had the opportunity to engage with Indian institutions and to create strong and long lasting links with India. I also met with both the Minister for Human Resource Development and the Indian Minister for Science and Technology, with whom I hosted a celebration of the links between our two countries research communities. Forums such as the UK-India Tech Summit are important opportunities to promote UK ties with India.The UK-India Education and Research Initiative is successfully creating UK-India partnerships in education and research. It has so far delivered over 1000 UK-India partnerships across all areas of education and research, and 25,000 exchanges of academics, researches and students. This initiative has proven to be popular and the Government has extended the UK-India Education and Research Initiative by another five years to 2021 with a new £10m investment for partnerships in research, leadership and skills. This year we announced the first call for applications and received almost 400 from UK and Indian institutions.The Government is also promoting the role of UK universities in India through the Newton Fund, or the Newton Bhabha Fund as it is known locally. The Newton Bhabha Fund promotes partnerships between UK and Indian universities to address some of the grand challenges that the world faces today. Programmes under the Newton Fund are creating research links and exchanges and are promoting the UK’s universities not only as centres of excellence, but also the positive role that they and the UK can take in the world.

Overseas Students

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate her Department has made of the economic value of international students to UK universities and their local areas.

Joseph Johnson: The most recent estimate of the value of international education to the UK can be found in the Government’s International Education Strategy, published in July 2013. This analysis showed that EU and Non-EU students at UK universities contributed an estimated £9.7bn in 2011 to the UK economy (tuition fees and living expenditure). The analysis does not separate this contribution for local areas.

Foreign Students: EU Countries

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many UK nationals are currently enrolled on an undergraduate degree at a university in another EU country.

Joseph Johnson: Information specifically relating to UK nationals enrolled at higher education institutions (HEIs) in other EU countries is not available.Eurostat collects data primarily on the basis of the country in which students completed their secondary schooling. In absence of this, they collect data on the basis of the students’ usual or permanent residence prior to their higher education studies, or their citizenship. Eurostat data shows that approximately 13,000 students whose country of origin was the UK were enrolled in HEIs in EU countries in academic year 2013/14, and approximately 5,000 were studying first degrees.Eurostat publishes these statistics on their website and they can be accessed using the web tool at the following link: http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=educ_uoe_mobs02&lang=en

Teachers: Qualifications

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of (a) registered and (b) active school teachers obtained their initial teaching qualification in an EU country other than the UK.

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of (a) registered and (b) practising school teachers obtained their initial teaching qualification in an EU country other than the UK.

Nick Gibb: The information requested is not held centrally. The Department for Education’s annual School Workforce Census does not include the nationality of teachers or the location of where they qualified to become a teacher.The Department does publish statistics showing awards of qualified teacher status to teachers from the European Economic Area. See Table 8 of the ‘Initial teacher training: trainee number census - 2016 to 2017’ statistical release published onNovember 24 2016: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/initial-teacher-training-trainee-number-census-2016-to-2017.

Extended Schools

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many applications her Department has received from secondary schools wishing to extend their school day.

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many secondary schools have been granted funding to extend their current school day.

Edward Timpson: The Department is aware of the excellent work schools and teachers are doing to offer students extra-curricular activities and experiences outside the classroom. These activities make a significant contribution to young people’s non-cognitive skills and development, as well as their attainment.Since the March 2016 budget, the Department has been reviewing how funding from the soft drinks industry levy could be used to help schools offer a wider range of activities and support pupils’ health. The department is currently determining the details how this funding will be allocated and we will provide further details in due course.Therefore the Department does not currently invite applications from secondary schools, nor has the Department granted funding to schools specifically for the purpose of extending their school day at this time. As a result we are unable to provide the information requested.

GCSE

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much her Department has spent on advertising the change to numerical grading for GCSE exams.

Nick Gibb: The Department has spent no money to date on advertising on the change to numerical grading for GCSE exams. Instead, we have been working closely with Ofqual, awarding organisations and key bodies such as the Confederation for British Industry (CBI) and Universities and College Admission Service (UCAS) to communicate the changes to GCSEs to key audiences, particularly schools, colleges and universities. In 2016 we produced a joint slide pack with Ofqual that was sent to all schools in England, which can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/qualifications-reform-resources-for-teachersOver the coming months we expect to fund targeted communications, particularly directed to parents and employers as we move towards the award of the first new GCSEs in August 2017.

Higher Education: Part-time Education

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 23 November 2016 to Question 53834, when she plans to publish the Government's response to its call for evidence on credit transfers for part-time learners.

Joseph Johnson: The Government is currently considering the evidence received from the Call for Evidence on accelerated courses and switching university or degree. A summary of findings was published on 20 December 2016 and is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/579438/Findings_from_the_Call_for_Evidence_on_Accelerated_Courses_and_Switching_University_or_Degree.pdf

Office for Students

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps to ensure that the proposed Office for Students prioritises the promotion  of part-time and lifelong learning.

Joseph Johnson: The Government believes part-time education and adult education bring enormous benefits to individuals, the economy and employers. In our recent guidance to the Director of Fair Access, we asked the Director to provide a renewed focus on part-time study because of the contribution this makes to widening participation, recognising that the traditional three-year degree does not suit some learners and may discourage their participation.The new Office for Students (OfS), as proposed in the Higher Education and Research Bill, will promote student choice, and by allowing new providers into the system, prospective students can expect greater part-time and distance learning opportunities, including for mature learners. For example, we know that in 2014/15, 56 per cent of students attending new providers designated for Student Loans Company support were over the age of 25, compared to 23 per cent at traditional higher education providers.The Higher Education and Research Bill also places a general duty on the OfS to have regard to the need to promote choice and opportunity for students. This duty is broad and intended to ensure that the OfS looks across the whole range of different modes of study and student needs, including part-time study and life-long learning.The reforms proposed by the Higher Education and Research Bill complement the practical support government is already giving to part-time students, which includes providing tuition fee loans and relaxing the rules on funding second degrees. We are also consulting on providing, for the first time ever, part-time maintenance loans.

Extended Schools

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what research her Department has commissioned on the potential benefits and costs of extending the school day in secondary schools.

Edward Timpson: The department has commissioned a small scale, qualitative research study to understand the scope and profile of out-of-normal timetable activities offered by a sample of secondary schools in England and the challenges related to offering these activities.The research is investigating barriers and enablers for schools in regards to offering these activities, parent and pupil perceptions and the role that external providers, for example voluntary sector and commercial providers play, in supporting schools with their offer.The department has previously commissioned evaluations of programmes involving extension of the school day or provision of extra-curricular activities and services, including Full Service Extended Schools and Extended Services schools. Evaluation of Extended Services (2012)https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/extended-schools Evaluation of Full Service Extended Schools (2007/8)http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130401151715/http:/www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/RR852.pdf Impact of Study Support (2001)https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/4154458.pdf

Schools: Musical Instruments

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many students in each region of England learned an instrument at school in each of the last six years.

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many people took Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music exams in each of the last six years.

Nick Gibb: All 5-14 year old children in maintained schools should be taught to play a musical instrument as part of the National Curriculum.The tables in the attachment show how many children were taught to play musical instruments through the music education hubs in each region in 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15.The Department does not hold information about the number of people who took Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exams. The tables below have been taken from ABRSM’s website and show the number of people who took practical graded music exams in the UK and Ireland in 2013 and 2014. Further information on additional years may be available on request from ABRSM.   2013GradeFailPassMeritDistinctionGrade 11,02824,10825,87514,760Grade 21,57023,61918,4227,626Grade 31,30021,21816,0016,450Grade 41,40715,5219,8613,723Grade 51,71215,2359,7954,213Grade 66165,1963,8982,114Grade 75993,5782,8581,818Grade 87542,9032,8673,094 2014GradeFailPassMeritDistinctionGrade 11,11224,79426,47515,159Grade 21,56123,20117,8837,513Grade 31,31220,50415,3136,104Grade 41,51315,5979,9583,700Grade 51,51813,9629,2594,061Grade 66225,2854,0182,108Grade 75463,1912,9021,947Grade 85842,6882,7843,143 



PQs 60134/60149 Musical instrument teaching
(Excel SpreadSheet, 18.8 KB)

Music: GCSE

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many students in England in receipt of free school meals studied music at GCSE in each of the last six years.

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many students in England in receipt of free school meals studied art at GCSE in each of the last six years.

Nick Gibb: The number of entries in art and design and music GCSEs[1] by pupils who are eligible for school meals in England from 2010/11 to 2015/16 (provisional) is provided in the table below.  [1] Discounting has been applied where pupils have taken the same subject more than once and only one entry is counted in these circumstances. Only the first entry is counted, in all subjects, in line with the early entry guidance). Pupils at the end of key stage 4, state funded schools2010/112011/122012/132013/14[1]2014/15[2]2015/16[3]GCSE art and design entries by pupils eligible for free school meals18,03817,96620,06122,10722,94221,268GCSE Music entries by pupils eligible for free school meals2,7492,6713,0033,3743,5713,454 Please note that revised figures for the number of art and design and music entries are due to be published on 19th January 2017. [1] In 2013/14, two major reforms were implemented which affect the calculation of key stage 4 performance measures data: 1) Professor Alison Wolf’s Review of Vocational Education recommendations which: restrict the qualifications counted; prevent any qualification from counting as larger than one GCSE; and cap the number of non-GCSEs included in performance measures at two per pupil, and 2) an early entry policy to only count a pupil’s first attempt at a qualification, in subjects counted in the English Baccalaureate.[2] In 2014/15 and 2015/16, early entry policy, under which only a pupil’s first attempt at a qualificationis counted in performance measures, is extended to all subjects (see SFR main text).[3] 2015/16 figures are provisional, all other figures are final

Lifelong Education

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when she plans to publish proposals for an integrated plan for lifelong learning.

Robert Halfon: In the 2016 Budget, the Government announced that it would conduct a review into the gaps in support for lifetime learning, including for flexible and part-time study. The review is on-going and the Government will announce its next steps shortly.

Apprentices

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when she plans to publish the Government's response to its consultation on public sector apprenticeship targets of January 2016.

Robert Halfon: Following consultation, and wider engagement with representatives from across the public sector, the Government is intending to publish its response to the consultation shortly. The Government is committed to raising the quality and quantity of apprenticeships and achieving 3 million apprenticeship starts by 2020. Having a clear public sector target will support this objective.

Arts: GCSE

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many students in England studied art at GCSE level in each of the last 10 years.

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many students in England studied music at GCSE level in each of the last 10 years.

Nick Gibb: The number of entries in art and design and music GCSEs for 2015/16 (provisional) and each of the last 10 years are published in the GCSE and equivalent statistical first releases[1],[2]. Note that revised figures for 2015/16 are due to be published on19 January 2017. 2008 to 2016[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/gcse-and-equivalent-results-2015-to-2016-provisional (Subject time series table)2007[2]http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130401151655/http://www.education.gov.uk/researchandstatistics/statistics/allstatistics/a00195692/dcsf-gcse-and-equivalent-examination-results-in-en

Ministry of Justice

Harassment: Court Orders

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many restraining orders were imposed as a result of stalking and harassment in England and Wales in 2014 and 2015.

Mr Sam Gyimah: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 16 December 2016.The correct answer should have been:

The Government is clear that stalking and harassment, which cause misery for victims, are totally unacceptable. The fixated nature of stalking may result in a prolonged campaign sometimes lasting many years. So we are determined to do everything possible to protect all victims of stalking and stop perpetrators at the earliest opportunity – even before the stage at which a perpetrator might be prosecuted. That is why, following a public consultation, we have recently announced that there will be a new civil stalking protection order, to support victims of stalking at an earlier stage and address the perpetrator’s behaviours before they become entrenched.The number of restraining orders imposed as result of stalking and harassment in England and Wales, 2014 and 2015 can be viewed in the table. Information on the specific restrictions included in a restraining order is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.Nor do we hold data on how frequently perpetrators of these crimes seek to contact their victims through action in the civil or family courts. The courts do have powers to deal with unmeritorious claims and applications. The court may strike out the action as an abuse of process or issue an order restricting the litigant’s ability to continue with further applications or claims, either of its own motion or on request by a party to the proceedings. 



Table 56513-56515
(Excel SpreadSheet, 33 KB)

Mr Sam Gyimah: The Government is clear that stalking and harassment, which cause misery for victims, are totally unacceptable. The fixated nature of stalking may result in a prolonged campaign sometimes lasting many years. So we are determined to do everything possible to protect all victims of stalking and stop perpetrators at the earliest opportunity – even before the stage at which a perpetrator might be prosecuted. That is why, following a public consultation, we have recently announced that there will be a new civil stalking protection order, to support victims of stalking at an earlier stage and address the perpetrator’s behaviours before they become entrenched.The number of restraining orders imposed as result of stalking and harassment in England and Wales, 2014 and 2015 can be viewed in the table. Information on the specific restrictions included in a restraining order is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.Nor do we hold data on how frequently perpetrators of these crimes seek to contact their victims through action in the civil or family courts. The courts do have powers to deal with unmeritorious claims and applications. The court may strike out the action as an abuse of process or issue an order restricting the litigant’s ability to continue with further applications or claims, either of its own motion or on request by a party to the proceedings. 



Table 56513-56515
(Excel SpreadSheet, 33 KB)

Prison Service: Labour Turnover

Mr Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate she has made of the wastage rates of public sector prison support staff in each year since 2010.

Mr Sam Gyimah: Leaving rates of prison staff, broken down by grade are included in the NOMS Workforce Bulletin which are published quarterly on gov.uk

Courts: Privacy

Mr Graham Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether her Department has assessed the potential merits of prohibiting defendants, witnesses and others participating in court proceedings from obscuring their faces, except on medical grounds, or in circumstances where a trial anonymity order has been granted.

Sir Oliver Heald: Prohibiting those participating in court proceedings from obscuring their faces is a matter for the judiciary to decide upon on a case-by-case basis. The Government is satisfied with the operation of the current practice.

Department for Exiting the European Union

Brexit: Scotland

Richard  Arkless: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what discussions he has had with the Prime Minister and other Cabinet colleagues on the content of Scotland's plan for the UK leaving the EU, Scotland's place in Europe, published on 20 December 2016.

Mr David Jones: The paper will be discussed in detail at the Joint Ministerial Committee on EU Negotiations (JMC(EN)) taking place on Thursday 19 January. JMC(EN) has been set up to discuss each government’s requirements for the future relationship with the EU as we seek to agree a UK approach to the negotiations, and is chaired by the Secretary of State for Exiting the EU.Discussions on the proposals have also taken place on a bilateral basis with the Scottish Government following the publication of the paper, and in line with our objective to seek a deal that works for all parts of the UK.

Department for Exiting the European Union: Consultants

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, pursuant to the Answer of 11 December 2016 to Question 55210, which consultancy firms his Department has used the services of since then on a (a) pro bono or nominal £1 basis and (b) paid basis; and for what services those firms were so used.

Mr Robin Walker: The Department has not engaged the services of any new consultancy firms since 11 December 2016.

EU Budget

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what estimate he has made of the total outstanding budgetary commitments and pension liabilities the UK has currently to the EU; and what estimate he has made of the potential amount of such commitments and liabilities when Article 50 is triggered.

Mr Robin Walker: The terms of the UK’s departure from the EU will depend on negotiations with the EU and other Member States. We should make clear that our discussions will need to take into account both assets and liabilities. There is no established precedent for leaving the EU. We will approach the negotiations with the full intention of securing a deal that delivers the best possible outcome for the UK. It goes without saying that we want a smooth and orderly exit from the EU, and will look at the best way to deliver that.

Department for Exiting the European Union: Staff

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, how many full-time equivalent staff his Department has had in each month to date since it was established.

Mr Robin Walker: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to 44229 for the total in July/September, and 46255 for October.All departments are equipping themselves with the resources they need to get the best deal for the UK. We are not in a position to give a final total as recruitment is ongoing and we will not be giving a running commentary. The Department for Exiting the European Union as of November 2016 has just over 300 staff, and is growing fast.

Department for Exiting the European Union: Senior Civil Servants

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, if he will publish an organisational chart of his Department's senior management team and its responsibilities.

Mr David Jones: The Department for Exiting the European Union has published an organisation chart detailing this information which is available on Gov.uk via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-exiting-the-european-union-senior-management-team

Church Commissioners

Debts

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what work the Church of England is undertaking to tackle indebtedness.

Dame Caroline Spelman: Many local churches across the country are closely involved in tackling indebtedness in their community. In September 2014 of the 1,812 clergy who responded to a Church Urban Fund social action survey, 22% said their church offered debt or money advice. This includes 306 Christians Against Poverty (CAP) debt centres and over 140 Community Money Advice centres, many of them run and/or hosted by Anglican churches. The report can be found here: www.cuf.org.uk/church-in-action-2015At national level, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Just Finance Foundation has been set up by the Church of England and Church Urban Fund in order to implement his vision of a more just financial system. The JFF works with credit unions, churches, employers, schools and other community organisations to help strengthen the financial resilience of communities through financial education and improved access to responsible credit and savings opportunities and free debt advice services. Following successful pilots, the Just Finance Network and LifeSavers (school savings club) programme are being rolled out nationally.

Churches: Repairs and Maintenance

Mike Wood: To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what estimate the Church Commissioners have made of the potential cost of repairing historic windows in churches.

Dame Caroline Spelman: It is extremely difficult to assess the potential costs of repairing specific elements of churches. Often the exact nature of the work to be done is not known until a detailed assessment has been made, something which in itself costs money. Windows are especially vulnerable to wind and weather, as well as isolated cases of vandalism and accidental damage to the glass. Along with roofs they are key areas that must be maintained in order to keep the buildings in use. Stained glass is particularly valuable and unusual – indeed it is the only type of art that also keeps the rain out. The Church of England is aware of a number of local projects to restore and repair windows in the Dudley area, one of the most recent being at St Marks Church, Pensnett, where an appeal for £33,000 was launched by parishioners to restore the masonry around the chancel windows.The Church of England does not use its limited resources to assess potential costs in detail because any such survey would be out of date as soon as it was complete. Issues such as available grant funds, availability of specialist contractors and scaffolding, as well as the time of year all affect potential costs. What we do know is that the cost of maintaining these beautiful windows is often more than an individual parish can cover. We are grateful to the Wolfson Foundation, Pilgrim Trust and Radcliffe Trust who all work with our own specialist conservation committees to award valuable grants to churches for works such as repair of stained glass. The www.churchcare.co.uk/churches website provides more information on how to apply for these along with a list of recipients from previous years.The London Stained Glass Repository part of the Glaziers Foundation is also a good location for churches looking to replace damaged windows ot install new windows. The Repository rescues good quality glass & seeks to find new homes for it. Stained glass which is under threat from building closure or vandalism is brought to the attention of the Repository, usually by the Church Commissioners.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Culture, Practices and Ethics of the Press Inquiry

Margaret Ferrier: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Written Statement of 11 January 2017, HCWS401, within what timescale her Department plans to complete analysis of the responses to the consultation on the Leveson Inquiry and its implementation.

Matt Hancock: An application for a judicial review of the consultation exercise has been made. The government has given an undertaking to the court that it will not take any final decisions on the matters to which this consultation relates until the court has determined the judicial review application. We are unable to commit to a timetable at this time.

Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what progress has been made on ratifying the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Heritage.

Tracey Crouch: Government remains committed to considering the results of the 2014 Impact Review on the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, in order to assess whether the UK should pursue ratification. A decision on timescales for reviewing the Convention will be made in late Spring 2017. Government has already adopted the Rules for activities directed at underwater cultural heritage, found in the annex of the Convention, as best practice.

Sports: Gender Recognition

Chris Elmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department plans to review its guidance on the inclusion of transgender people in sport.

Tracey Crouch: The Government is clear that we are committed to tackling all forms of discrimination in sport. Sport is able to deliver important benefits to the wider society and can play a big part in helping to remould or instil the values we want to see in our communities, and particularly in young people. Government understands the importance of tackling transphobia in sport and in my role as Minister for Sport, I am responsible for this policy. Sport England, as a member of the Sports Council Equality Group, is updating its existing transgender guidance which includes transgender and those transitioning in a phased approach. It will cover both legislative guidance for competition, as well as advice on how to improve support and inclusivity for transgender people in sport. Both phases will be completed by spring 2017.

Local Press

Callum McCaig: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to support local and regional newspapers.

Matt Hancock: The local press is a crucial source of information for local communities and a vital part of a healthy democracy. In the March 2016 budget the government announced the introduction of a £1,500 business rates discount for local newspapers for two years from 1 April 2017. The government's response and guidance regarding the business rates relief was published on 2 December 2016. More information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/the-case-for-a-business-rates-relief-for-local-newspapers Following the BBC Charter Review, the BBC is also working in partnership with the local news industry to support local journalism. On 12 May 2016 the BBC and the News Media Association announced their plans for the partnership, including the BBC's funding of 150 local journalists from 2017. More information is available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2016/bbc-nma-partnership

Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility Measures Review

Mr David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the Gambling Commission after the date of the closure of the call for evidence for the Review of Gaming and Social Responsibility Measures.

Mr David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many responses her Department has received to the Review of Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility Measures from (a) local authorities, (b) representatives of the gambling industry, (c) charities and (d) individuals.

Tracey Crouch: The call for evidence for the Review of Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility closed on 4 December 2016. I and my officials have regular meetings with the Gambling Commission on this and other matters relating to gambling. The Call for Evidence on the Review of Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility received 275 responses with a) 29 from local authorities; b) 45 from the gambling industry; c) 29 from interest groups including charities; and d) 167 from the public. The remaining five responses came from MPs.

CCTV: Private Property

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has issued guidance on privately owned and operated CCTV cameras overlooking neighbouring property.

Matt Hancock: The Information Commissioner's Office’s CCTV code of practice provides guidance and advice to CCTV users on how to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998. The guidance can be found at https://ico.org.uk/media/for-organisations/documents/1542/cctv-code-of-practice.pdf

Arts: Young People

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to encourage young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in (a) drama, (b) music and (c) art.

Matt Hancock: The Government is committed to ensuring that as we build a country that works for everyone there is opportunity for all to experience and participate in all forms of arts and culture whatever their background. This is why the Culture White Paper set out a range of commitments aimed at increasing diversity in arts participation. For example, the Cultural Citizens Programme which will provide young people from disadvantaged backgrounds meaningful opportunities to experience the arts. Pilots are taking place in Liverpool and Blackpool, Birmingham, and Barking and Dagenham offering a range of cultural activities so you people develop a lifelong love of the arts. We have protected funding for Arts Council England (ACE) throughout the next spending period. This includes support for arts programmes which aim to increase access for under-represented groups such as the Creative People and Places programme, in which Arts Council England has invested over £41m to support access to the arts in areas with low engagement in arts and culture.

Arts: Young People

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to encourage young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in (a) drama, (b) music and (c) art.

Matt Hancock: The Government is committed to ensuring that as we build a country that works for everyone there is opportunity for all to experience and participate in all forms of arts and culture whatever their background. This is why the Culture White Paper set out a range of commitments aimed at increasing diversity in arts participation. For example, the Cultural Citizens Programme which will provide young people from disadvantaged backgrounds meaningful opportunities to experience the arts. Pilots are taking place in Liverpool and Blackpool, Birmingham, and Barking and Dagenham offering a range of cultural activities so you people develop a lifelong love of the arts. We have protected funding for Arts Council England (ACE) throughout the next spending period. This includes support for arts programmes which aim to increase access for under-represented groups such as the Creative People and Places programme, in which Arts Council England has invested over £41m to support access to the arts in areas with low engagement in arts and culture.

Public Libraries

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment she has made of the potential effect on local library provision of changes in government funding for local authorities.

Mr Rob Wilson: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport monitors closely developments relating to proposed changes to library services throughout England. Local authorities have a duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient service that meets local needs within available resources.

Mobile Phones: Lanarkshire

Marion Fellows: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to improve mobile telephone coverage in Lanarkshire.

Matt Hancock: Improving mobile connectivity across the whole of the UK is a priority for the Government. The Ofcom licence obligations arising from the December 2014 agreement mean that the four Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have a legally binding obligation to provide voice/SMS text coverage to at least 90% of the UK’s landmass by end-2017. Additionally Telefonica (O2) has a licence obligation to deliver indoor 4G coverage to 98% of UK premises (95% in Scotland and the other Devolved Administrations.) The Digital Economy Bill, currently going through Parliament, will give the regulator Ofcom the power to issue large fines to mobile phone companies who fail to meet their licence obligations. The Government's agreement with the MNOs locked in investment of £5 billion and is delivering improved coverage across the UK. Ofcom's 2016 Connected Nations Report shows that 98% of Scottish premises now have indoor voice coverage and 62% have indoor 4G data coverage from all four MNOs (up from 22% in 2015). Our proposed reforms of the Electronic Communications Code, will support further investment and improvements in connectivity across the UK and reduce not spots.

Football: Finance

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how much the Government invested in grass roots football in 2015-16.

Tracey Crouch: Through Sport England, the Government invested over £31.6 million in 2015/16 to supporting football at the grassroots level in England. This included investment made to the Football Association to projects that boost or sustain participation in the sport, and to the Football Foundation to deliver new and improved community sports facilities in towns and cities across the country.

21st Century Fox: Sky

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 16 January 2017 to Question 59468, if she will issue a formal consultation document to invite public representations on public interest considerations relating to the proposed merger of 21st Century Fox and Sky.

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 16 January 2017 to Question 59468, if she will publish any representations made to her Department on public interest considerations relating to the proposed merger of 21st Century Fox and Sky.

Matt Hancock: As my Right Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State said in the written statement of 10 January [Vol 619 Col 8WS] , officials have started preliminary work to analyse the relevance of the public interest considerations as set out in the Enterprise Act 2002 to the merger. In doing so, they will look at the available evidence and will consider representations which are relevant to those specified public interests. While those making representations are free to publish their own views, it would be inappropriate for me to publish representations received as a matter of course in order to ensure those wishing to make representations can do so freely and without risking disclosure of commercially sensitive information. In addition there are specific statutory provisions for the handling of this information and protecting its confidentiality. We do, however, recognise the importance of transparency in this process and will consider the appropriateness of disclosure of representations made within this context. We will not be conducting a formal public consultation but will give due regard to any relevant representations in reaching any decision on whether or not to intervene. As said in the statement of 10 January, we will keep Parliament informed of the process as it moves ahead and will make a further statement when the parties have formally notified the Commission, ahead of making any decision about whether to intervene.

Department for Work and Pensions

Department for Work and Pensions: Correspondence

Phil Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department has a system for monitoring whether its written correspondence to claimants has been successfully delivered.

Caroline Nokes: The Department for Work and Pensions does not have a system in place to monitor whether written correspondence is successfully delivered. However, the Department regularly checks with its customers that their addresses are current and takes immediate action to amend any records when notified of changes.

Personal Independence Payment: Appeals

Phil Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department has taken to reduce the proportion of personal independence payment cases which are appealed at a tribunal.

Penny Mordaunt: Only a small proportion, 7%, of all PIP decisions have been appealed. As part of on-going review and improvement analysis of PIP, we are continuing to make efforts to ensure that all decisions, whether made initially or at Mandatory Reconsideration, are the best informed decisions. For example, the department is running a series of trials which looks at the end to end PIP decision making process with a particular focus on MR and explores the different ways we can improve the quality of our decision making. However, it is important that claimants can appeal their award decision if they are unhappy with it. Moreover, a request for an appeal does not mean that the decisions taken initially and as part of Mandatory Reconsideration were not right. Claimants often provide new, relevant evidence at the tribunal stage.

Personal Independence Payment

Phil Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans his Department has to reduce the number of personal independence payment mandatory reconsiderations.

Penny Mordaunt: As part of on-going review and improvement analysis of PIP, we are continuing to make efforts to ensure that our initial decisions are as well informed as they can be and of the highest standard. For example, the department is running a series of trials which looks at the end to end PIP decision making process with a particular focus on MR and explores the different ways we can improve the quality of our decision making. However, it is important that claimants can request a Mandatory Reconsideration if they are unhappy with the initial decision. Moreover, a request for a Mandatory Reconsideration does not mean the initial decision was not right. Claimants often provide new, relevant evidence at the tribunal stage.

Personal Independence Payment: Motability

Phil Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the Motability Operations teams are notified of a personal independence payment claimant's award status before the claimant themself is notified.

Penny Mordaunt: During normal processing, Motability Operations are notified the day after the notification is issued to the claimant. There is a process in place to ensure the claimant is not contacted before they receive the decision notification.

Occupational Pensions

Ian Blackford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will introduce a right to statutory inflation increases for defined pension schemes that have pre-1997 accrued rights.

Richard Harrington: If a pensioner’s pre-1997 defined benefit pension rights include a Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) earned after April 1988, that element must be increased by inflation, capped at 3 per cent. Defined benefit pensions accrued after 1997 are subject to statutory limited price indexation: inflation capped at 5 per cent for pensions accrued between April 1997 and April 2005 and inflation caped at 2.5 per cent for pensions accrued after April 2005. We have no plans to change this.

Winter Fuel Payments: Scotland

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people are eligible for winter fuel payments in (a) Glasgow Central constituency, (b) Glasgow and (c) Scotland.

Richard Harrington: Statistics on how many people living in (a) Glasgow Central constituency, (b) Glasgow and (c) Scotland, are in receipt of winter fuel payments can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/winter-fuel-payment-recipient-and-household-figures-2015-to-2016

Department for Work and Pensions: Policy

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will provide a comprehensive list of the public policy targets established by his Department (a) between 2010 and May 2015 and (b) since May 2015.

Caroline Nokes: From 2010 departmental business plans have included overarching objectives which encompass manifesto commitments for key areas of policy. For each objective we have high-level indicators that demonstrate our progress towards meeting these objectives. We publish details of how we are progressing against the objectives and latest data for the indicators in our Annual Report and Accounts https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/534933/dwp-annual-report-and-accounts-2015-2016.pdf and Single Department Plan https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dwp-single-departmental-plan-2015-to-2020/dwp-single-departmental-plan-2015-to-2020. There are two exceptions to this approach. The Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 repealed policy targets set by The Child Poverty Act 2010 and introduced new Life Chances measures on workless households and educational attainment. Ministers have also agreed a joint public target level for DWP and HMRC of 1.6% in 2017/18 for the net loss from fraud and error on DWP benefits plus Tax Credits, after netting off DWP recoveries.

Jobcentres: Glasgow

Stewart Malcolm McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions he has had with jobcentre staff on their extra travel time and costs resulting from proposed jobcentre closures in (a) Castlemilk and (b) Langside.

Damian Hinds: Individual meetings between local DWP managers and their staff in Glasgow, including Castlemilk and Langside Jobcentres, began five days after the announcements on 7 December 2016. The first round of meetings concluded on 6 January 2017 and we will continue to discuss any moves with staff as and when final decisions are made. We recognise that DWP staff are our most valuable resource and we will continue to ensure that there is proper consultation with them and trade unions.

Plumbing: Pensions

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what progress has been made as a result of consultations on section 75 pensions liabilities for small plumbing partnerships.

Richard Harrington: Following a Call for Evidence we are exploring alternative methods to help small employers in multi-employer schemes manage section 75 employer debts with a view to consulting on proposals in due course.

Social Rented Housing: Housing Benefit

Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when he expects to announce what changes are required to comply with the terms of the Supreme Court ruling of November 2016 on the under-occupancy penalty.

Caroline Nokes: The Department is taking action to make changes to the regulations in order to comply with the terms of the judgment. The Social Security Advisory Committee and Local Authority Associations are being consulted about the changes in the usual way. The Department will also be issuing guidance to Local Authorities ready for when the changes are in place.

Jobcentres: Glasgow

Stewart Malcolm McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to estimate how many people have received (a) job seeker's allowance and (b) employment support allowance in Glasgow South constituency after using services at (i) Castlemilk and (ii) Langside jobcentres before carrying out an equality impact assessment on closing those jobcentres.

Damian Hinds: There are a total of 1,060 people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and a total of 5,790 people claiming Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefits in Glasgow South constituency. However, the extent to which they are required to attend the Jobcentre will vary, depending upon the specific requirements of the benefit they receive. The purpose of the equality analysis and public consultation is to help establish how many people are likely to be affected by these proposals, not just those in receipt of a disability-related benefit.

Jobcentres: Glasgow

Stewart Malcolm McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when he plans to publish the savings anticipated from the proposed closure of the jobcentres in (a) Castlemilk and (b) Langside.

Damian Hinds: The department has always reviewed its offices to make sure it delivers value for money. However, the anticipated savings for each individual Jobcentre is commercially sensitive information. The overall anticipated savings figure was published as part of the last Spending Review announcement.

Universal Credit

Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that universal credit claimants have access to IT facilities in order to help them comply with the claimant commitment.

Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans his Department has to ensure that universal credit claimants have access to IT facilities in order to comply with his Department's claimant commitment.

Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans his Department has to ensure that universal credit claimants have access to IT skills training in order to comply with his Department's claimant commitment.

Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that universal credit claimants have access to IT skills training in order to help them comply with the claimant commitment.

Damian Hinds: Work Coaches assess claimants’ digital capability at their initial work search interview and, where help is needed, they can refer claimants for Assisted Digital and Digital Inclusion Support. These services are offered as part of the Universal Support package which provides additional assistance to build claimants’ confidence and competence with IT, enabling them to manage their Universal Credit account online, as well as accessing on-line job search facilities and training to comply with their Claimant Commitment. Our research shows that, in June 2016, 99.7 per cent of submissions of information to support claims and 90.0 per cent of reported changes of circumstances were completed by claimants using the UC full service online system. All jobcentres across the country have Wi-Fi and computers available for claimants to access the internet. Claimants who are unable to manage their claim online can receive telephone and face to face support.

Jobcentres: Glasgow

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, on what date his Department will issue a map of catchment areas for each Jobcentre Plus office in the city of Glasgow.

Damian Hinds: Jobcentres do not have hard catchment areas. Although new claims are automatically assigned to a local Jobcentre Plus, claimants can attend the Jobcentre most convenient for them and our staff are able to provide advice on this. Where we are proposing changes to our estate we have provided details of the future locations of our sites so that our claimants can understand the impact on their travel arrangements. It is important to remember that the announcements in relation to Jobcentres in Glasgow are just proposals and not final decisions. The equality analysis and public consultation will help establish people’s ability to access services from alternative Jobcentre locations before any final decisions are made.

Members: Correspondence

Mr David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 12 January 2017 to Question 59041, on members: correspondence, whether the information contained in that Answer relates to substantive replies being sent to hon. Members.

Caroline Nokes: The performance data provided in the response to question 59041 to the hon. Member is in relation to substantive replies to Members correspondence.

Social Security Benefits

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many and what proportion of households in receipt of out-of-work benefits who were (a) covered and (b) not covered by the household benefit cap moved into work between April 2013 and August 2016.

Caroline Nokes: The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost. We publish official statistics on the number and proportion of households that have previously had their Housing Benefit capped and have moved into work. The latest available figures as at August 2016 are published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/benefit-cap-statistics Please note, not all households that have had their Housing Benefit capped are in receipt of an out-of-work benefit.

Housing Benefit: Supported Housing

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the effect on funding for housing benefit for residents in supported housing of capping that benefit in line with local housing allowance levels from 2019-20.

Caroline Nokes: In his Written Ministerial Statement to the House of Commons on 15th September 2016 the Secretary of State confirmed that the new funding model will ensure that the supported housing sector will be funded at the same level it would have otherwise been in 2019/20, taking into account the effect of Government policy on social sector rents.An online consultation on this new model seeking the views of the sector was launched on 21st November 2016 and will run until 13th February 2017 and can be accessed from the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/funding-for-supported-housing

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Flood Control

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what proportion of the partnership funding for flood protection raised within the current six-year programme has come from private sector donations.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 21 December 2016.The correct answer should have been:

To reduce the risk of flooding to a further 300,000 homes as part of the flood and coastal erosion risk management investment programme 2015 to 2021, the Environment Agency expects currently that 15 per cent of the partnership funding contributions required will come from private sources. The Environment Agency continues to work in partnership with the private sector and expect that further contributions will be secured as the programme progresses.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: To reduce the risk of flooding to a further 300,000 homes as part of the flood and coastal erosion risk management investment programme 2015 to 2021, the Environment Agency expects currently that 15 per cent of the partnership funding contributions required will come from private sources. The Environment Agency continues to work in partnership with the private sector and expect that further contributions will be secured as the programme progresses.

Food: Prices

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on food prices for products sourced from EU countries.

George Eustice: Commodity prices, exchange rates and oil prices are known to be the most important drivers of retail food price inflation. It is too early to tell what, if any, impact leaving the EU might have on these factors.

Agricultural Products: UK Trade with EU

Neil Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure that UK agricultural produce will have access to EU markets after the UK leaves the EU.

George Eustice: Defra is working closely with the Department for Exiting the European Union and the Department for International Trade to ensure the UK gets the best possible deal on market access for our agri-food sector when we leave the EU. In particular, we want a reciprocal deal that delivers no tariffs on trade between the UK and EU. We are also working to minimise burdensome non-tariff-barriers to such trade, while maintaining high standards for food safety, animal welfare and the environment.

Fisheries: Sustainable Development

Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress the Government is making on achieving sustainable levels of fishing.

George Eustice: We continue to make progress towards more sustainable fishing, with more stocks than ever now being fished in line with their Maximum Sustainable Yield. This year, there will be 29 stocks that are of interest to the UK and which will be fished at or below Maximum Sustainable Yield - an increase on 2016. The UK has been and will continue to be an advocate of sustainable fishing.

Department for Communities and Local Government

Planning Permission: Appeals

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many planning appeals to his Department on new housing projects have been (a) approved and (b) not approved in 2016.

Gavin Barwell: Planning Inspectors determine each appeal on its individual merits, in light of the circumstances, and policy, applicable to each case.We publish on a quarterly basis appeals decided and their outcome on PINS part of gov.uk, see link below (Table 2.5).https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/planning-inspectorate-statistics

Solar Power: Non-domestic Rates

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of business rate rises on the British solar industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Marcus Jones: Holding answer received on 13 January 2017



Business rates are based on valuations from the Valuation Office Agency and we do not intervene in their independent assessments. We have put in place a £3.6 billion transitional relief scheme for England to ensure no ratepayers are unfairly penalised at the 2017 revaluation.

Council Tax

Mr Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, whether principal local authorities have the ability to set different levels of Band D council tax for different parts of their local authority area; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Marcus Jones: Holding answer received on 16 January 2017



Principal local authorities are required to calculate a basic amount of Band D council tax for their whole area. If special items or expenses are applied, an additional amount may be charged in some areas. Special items or expenses include parish precepts and the cost of meeting levies.

Forests

Mims Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of protection for ancient woodland in the National Planning Policy Framework.

Gavin Barwell: The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that planning permission should be refused for development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland, unless the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss.

Housing: Ebbsfleet

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many homes have been built in Ebbsfleet Garden City.

Gavin Barwell: The Department for Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS: Non-domestic Rates

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential benefits of exempting NHS premises from business rates; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Marcus Jones: The Government has no plans to exempt NHS premises from business rates. Hospitals, like almost all other buildings occupied by public bodies, have been subject to non-domestic rates since they were introduced.

NHS: Non-domestic Rates

Royston Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what the cost of billing for and collection of business rates from NHS premises in (a) Southampton and (b) England was for 2015-16.

Mr Marcus Jones: DCLG does not hold data on the cost of collection by type of property.

Local Plans

Mims Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what proportion of land in England is covered by an adopted local plan.

Gavin Barwell: As at 31 December 2016, 74 per cent of land in England is covered by an adopted Local Plan.We want all areas to be covered by an up to date plan and that is why we have bought forward a statutory requirement in the Neighbourhood Planning Bill for local planning authorities to identify strategic priorities, and set out policies to address them in their development plan documents.

Neighbourhood Development Plans

Mims Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many neighbourhood plans have been adopted in England.

Gavin Barwell: There is no requirement for the Department to be notified when a neighbourhood plan is adopted. Our records show that 268 neighbourhood plans have been adopted in England since April 2013.

Local Government Finance

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how much each local authority (a) received in revenue support grant and (b) collected in business rates in each of the last 10 years.

Mr Marcus Jones: The Department for Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Garden Communities

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, whether it is his policy for proposed garden cities, towns and villages to expand indefinitely or be limited to a size at which more stringent planning rules will apply.

Gavin Barwell: Our Locally-led Garden Villages, Towns and Cities prospectus makes clear that the garden villages proposals we support should be free-standing settlements of between 1,500 and 10,000 homes. These though are locally-led proposals and it is for local areas to decide the appropriate number of homes in garden cities, towns or villages over time. Our support for garden cities, towns and villages in no way pre-judges the planning process and, subject to any planning freedoms that may be agreed with individual places, the usual planning rules apply.

Millwall Football Club: Lewisham

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what representations he has received on planning policies and legislation that could affect Millwall FC's continued location in Lewisham; and if he will make a statement.

Gavin Barwell: The Secretary of State has received one representation on the proposed New Bermondsey Development. As Lewisham Council are currently considering making a compulsory purchase order to secure land for a proposed regeneration scheme, and any compulsory purchase order has to be submitted to the Secretary of State for confirmation, I cannot comment further at this stage so as not to prejudice his consideration.

Millwall Football Club: Lewisham

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues and officials on planning policies and legislation that could affect Millwall FC's ability to remain located in Lewisham.

Gavin Barwell: Ministerial colleagues and officials meet regularly to talk about planning policies and legislation. As Lewisham Council are currently considering making a compulsory purchase order to secure land for a proposed regeneration scheme, and any compulsory purchase order has to be submitted to the Secretary of State for confirmation, I cannot comment further at this stage so as not to prejudice his consideration.

Ministry of Defence

Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent discussions his Department has had with (a) Boeing and (b) the US Department of Defense on the production contract for the P-8 Poseidon.

Harriett Baldwin: Following the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 decision to acquire the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, detailed evaluation of possible options was undertaken, with the outcome of this process being approval to procure these aircraft through a Foreign Military Sale with the US Government. As a result, our relationship is with the US Government and not directly with Boeing, so there have not been any discussions with the company about the contract.As you would expect, Ministry of Defence officials are in regular contact with their opposite numbers in the US Department of Defense about many aspects of the programme, including discussions regarding aircraft deliveries.Separately, Boeing have publicly committed to building a new £100 million facility for the aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray. In addition, Boeing announced at last year's Farnborough Air Show that it intended to create around 2,000 new jobs in the UK.

Maritime Patrol Aircraft: USA

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of changes to the US rolling contract for P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft with Boeing to the UK's planned procurement of those aircraft; and whether his Department has made an assessment of the likelihood of any such changes being made by the incoming US administration.

Harriett Baldwin: Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials are in regular contact with their opposite numbers in the United States Department of Defense on many aspects of the programme including production and UK aircraft deliveries.The MOD is not aware of any planned changes to the Poseidon P-8A production line at this time. We will, of course, continue to engage with our counterparts in the United States once the new administration takes office.

Air Force: Safety

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Royal Air Force (a) engineering officers and (b) aircraft technicians have been charged for safety lapses in each year since 2010.

Mark Lancaster: The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Army: Warminster

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which of the Army's current units will form the planned strike experimental group based in Warminster.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what artillery will be assigned to the planned strike experimental group based in Warminster.

Mike Penning: The following units will form the Strike Experimentation Group (SEG) in 2017: Household Cavalry Regiment. Kings Royal Hussars. 1st Battalion Scots Guards.The Highlanders, 4th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland. 1st Regiment Royal Logistics Corps. 1st (Close Support) Battalion Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers. The SEG will work with other units, including those in the Royal Artillery, from across the Army. 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery will be assigned to the SEG from 2020, when the SEG will form the first Strike brigade.

Armed Forces: Weapons

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) 51mm light mortars, (b) 81mm mortars, (c) 105mm light guns, (d) AS90 artillery guns and (e) 227mm multiple-launch rocket systems are (i) in service and (ii) fit for purpose.

Harriett Baldwin: The information requested is provided below.  EquipmentNumber51mm MortarNil – no longer in service81mm Mortar (L16A1)14381mm Mortar (L16A3)314105mm Light Gun126AS9089Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS)35  We do not routinely comment on the specific status of equipment as to do so would compromise operational security and would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

Armoured Fighting Vehicles

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has been made on the Medium Wheeled Gun System project.

Harriett Baldwin: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my noble Friend, the Minister of State in the House of Lords, Earl Howe, to the noble Lord, Lord Campbell of Pittenweem, in the House of Lords to Question HL2386.The Medium Wheeled Gun System project is still undergoing pre-concept phase work. A decision on the concept and assessment phases of the project is not expected to be made before April 2017.



Artillery:Procurement
(Word Document, 13.03 KB)

HM Treasury

Alcoholic Drinks: Excise Duties

Chris Elmore: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to review the effectiveness and operation of alcohol taxation policy; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Ellison: The Chancellor keeps all taxes under review, including alcohol taxation. Any decisions on changes to alcohol taxation will be made as part of the Budget process.

Debts

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent estimate his Department has made of the average level of personal debt.

Simon Kirby: Since 2007, UK households have reduced debt relative to income by the second largest amount in the G7. The household debt-to-income ratio was 144% in Q3 2016, down from a high of 160% in Q1 2008. Almost three quarters of household debt is secured against housing. Unsecured debt as a share of household income is now 40% (Q3 2016), down from its peak of 44% before the financial crisis (Q1 2007).

Fossil Fuels: Capital Investment

Callum McCaig: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of fiscal changes made in the Budget 2016 on capital investment in the oil and gas sector.

Callum McCaig: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of fiscal changes made in the Budget 2016 on exploration in the oil and gas sector.

Callum McCaig: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to boost oil and gas exploration in the UK continental shelf.

Callum McCaig: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of fiscal changes made in the Budget 2016 on levels of employment in the UK oil and gas sector.

Jane Ellison: The Office for Budget Responsibility’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook (November 2016) includes the latest forecasts for oil and gas. The November Outlook indicates a downward trend in planned capital expenditure in the oil and gas sector, from £10.1 billion in 2016 to £3.7 billion in 2021. This reflects a lower oil price and its consequential effect on overall production. The Government has taken unprecedented action to support jobs, investment and activity in the UK and UK Continental Shelf. Budget 2016 announced a £1 billion package of fiscal reform, supporting the industry through the challenging commercial conditions caused by the steep fall in oil prices. Lower tax rates will improve the economics of new investment and future discoveries. The basin-wide Investment Allowance, introduced in 2015, further reduces the effective rate of tax for many companies, including at the exploration stage. As a result of these changes, the UK now has one of the most competitive tax regimes for oil and gas in the world, supporting jobs and investment.

Cabinet Office

Electoral Fraud Review

Craig Whittaker: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to page 29 of the Government response to Sir Eric Pickles' review of electoral fraud, published in December 2016, how many local authorities he expects to take part in the pilot schemes.

Craig Whittaker: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to page 29 of the Government response to Sir Eric Pickles' review of electoral fraud, published in December 2016, what discussions his Department has had with the 18 local authorities identified with respect to their interest in taking part in the pilot schemes.

Craig Whittaker: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to page 29 of the Government response to Sir Eric Pickles' review of electoral fraud, published in December 2016, when his Department plans to finalise full details of the pilot schemes.

Chris Skidmore: The Government’s view is that electoral fraud is unacceptable on any level. In the response, published in December, we have set out on a path to a clear and secure democracy following the commitments in our 2015 manifesto to tackling electoral fraud and protecting our electoral system. In its response to Securing the Ballot, the Government outlined its intention to introduce pilot schemes in a number of Local Authority areas at local elections in 2018, to test the impact of voter identification on the conduct of elections in the UK. The 18 Local Authorities listed in the Government’s response have previously been designated by the Electoral Commission as being the most at risk of allegations of electoral fraud, and it is recognised that these authorities may be interested in operating such schemes, as indeed may be other authorities. Once we have agreed the process and scope of the pilot schemes, we will share this information with Local Authorities and key partner organisations. The response presents a holistic package for reform that will strengthen our electoral system, and the Government is now looking in detail at how and when work on each of the recommendations can be taken forward.

Senior Civil Servants: Sick Leave

Luciana Berger: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many senior civil servants were on a leave of absence from work due to mental illness in each month of the year since 2010.

Ben Gummer: The Cabinet Office does not hold this information centrally. This information is held by individual departments.Overall departmental absence data is also published by government departments on GOV.UK.

Department for International Trade

Defence: Exports

Dr James Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 5 December 2016 to Question 54986, on defence: exports, how much has been received in revenue to date from bespoke market research into the market for armoured fighting vehicles.

Mark Garnier: To date the Department for International Trade’s Defence and Security Organisation has not undertaken any bespoke market research into the market for armoured fighting vehicles and has therefore not received any revenue.

Trade Agreements

Ms Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, which international agreements, deals and memoranda of understanding the Government has signed with foreign governments relating to bilateral trade with the UK in the last 12 months.

Mark Garnier: The UK has entered into no bilateral free trade agreements with foreign governments over the last 12 months. While we remain members of the EU, the EU has competence for trade agreements. The UK will seek to take advantage of all the opportunities available to us to ensure that Britain becomes a global leader in free trade once we leave the EU.DIT’s Colombia office has signed an MoU with the Colombian National Hydrocarbons Agency as part of the State Visit of President Santos. This MOU establishes linkages between the UK and Colombia as key strategic offshore hydrocarbons sector partners.

Business: Government Assistance

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what companies each Minister in his Department has responsibility for government relationships with.

Mark Garnier: The Department for International Trade (DIT) is responsible for the government’s strategic relations programme which manages relationships with key investors and exporters through named contact ministers.DIT is currently refreshing the allocation of contact ministers across government and intends to publish the updated list on www.gov.uk in due course.Ministers in DIT also have responsibilities supporting trade and investment in various industry sectors. Details can be found on www.gov.uk.

Wales Office

South Wales Railway Line: Electrification

Chris Elmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the electrification of the rail line from Cardiff to Swansea.

Alun Cairns: The Secretary of State for Transport and I hold regular discussions on the Government’s ambitious programme of investment in our railway infrastructure, most recently during a joint visit to Cardiff Central Station on 13 January. The Government is committed to improving services for passengers on the Great Western line, from Paddington to Swansea. We are continuing to invest £2.8 billion on electrification on this route to deliver better services and new trains with thousands more seats.

Department of Health

Pregnancy: Streptococcus

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if his Department will take steps to make group B streptococcus screening routinely available to all pregnant women.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Department takes advice on all aspects of screening from the independent UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC). The UK NSC is currently reviewing its recommendation on antenatal screening for Group B Streptococcus carriage as part of its three yearly review cycle. A public consultation is currently open and will be closing on 25 January. The UK NSC will consider the evidence and consultation responses at its meeting in February 2017.

NHS: Sustainable Development

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what progress there has been to date on the development of sustainability and transformation plans; and if he will make a statement.

David Mowat: Proposals have been published for all 44 Sustainability Transformation Plans (STPs) covering every part of England. STPs evolved during last year and will continue to do so as each local area discusses the thinking with staff, patients and local people. These conversations are still taking place and STPs will continue to evolve to reflect them.

NHS: Sustainable Development

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what total level of capital funding is requested in the 44 sustainability and transformation plans for the delivery of those plans.

David Mowat: Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs) continue to develop, as each local area discusses their proposals with staff, patients and local people. As a result, it is not possible to develop an aggregate total for the total level of capital funding requested to deliver the STPs.

Dental Services: Registration

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the average processing time was for a performer number to be provided to a dentist in each of the last 24 months for which figures are available.

David Mowat: NHS England is responsible for the National Dental Performers list and currently does not hold information centrally on how many applications have been received from individuals wishing to join the National Dental Performers list. Information on the length of time to process applications is therefore currently not available.

General Practitioners: Qualifications

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what proportion of (a) registered and (b) active GPs obtained their initial qualifications in the UK.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Department does not collect information on the number of registered and active general practitioners (GPs) that obtained their initial qualifications in the United Kingdom. The General Medical Council has provided the following information: 77.6% of registered GPs obtained their initial qualification in the UK, this is 52,615 of 67,771; and 78.6% of registered GPs with a licence to practise obtained their initial qualification in the UK, this is 48,043 of 61,096.

Department of Health: Grace Partnership

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many contracts (a) his Department and (b) its non-departmental bodies and agencies have awarded to The Grace Partnership since 2014.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Department can confirm following a detailed search of its Business Management Services database, that “The Grace Partnership” are not a registered supplier and consequently there are no records of any spend or contracts being held with this company. Responses from all of the Department’s Non-Departmental Public Bodies and its agencies, including special health authorities, have confirmed that no contracts are or have been held with The Grace Partnership since 2014.

Medical Certificates: Fees and Charges

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make it his policy to end the practice of GPs charging patients for letters to prove sickness in support of debt collection, housing or welfare claims.

David Mowat: General practitioners (GPs) are independent contractors who hold contracts with NHS England to provide primary medical services for the National Health Service. Under the terms of their contract, GPs are required to provide certain medical reports or complete certain forms, such as those required to support a claim for incapacity benefit, free of charge to their registered patients. Outside of contractual requirements, GPs also provide a variety of other services which successive governments have regarded as private matters between the patient and the GP providing these services. In such cases, decisions on whether to charge a fee and the level of the fee charged are at the GP’s discretion. Where GPs intend to charge for services to patients, the British Medical Association (BMA) advises them to forewarn patients, at the earliest opportunity, of the likely level of fees. The BMA also produces guidance on the level of fees that should be charged for various services.

Ambulance Services: Private Sector

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much the NHS has spent on private ambulances in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Mr Philip Dunne: This information is not held centrally.

General Practitioners: Bristol

Karin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps NHS England has taken to ensure the smooth transition of hard copy records of patients who need to re-register from St Martin's Surgery, Knowle, Bristol, to other practices as a result of that surgery's closure.

Karin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department takes to help patients whose GP surgery closes to re-register elsewhere.

David Mowat: NHS England advises that its south west office funded a Local Enhanced Service contract, which ensured that St Martin’s Surgery had robust governance methods in place. That included logging all notes and maintaining a log book covering receipt/transfer of notes. Final sign-off was made by directors of NHS England south west and the Caldicott Guardian. When a general practitioner practice closes, NHS England is responsible for ensuring that patients have continued access to NHS primary medical services. They can do this either by allocating patients to another practice in the area or by advertising for another contract holder. NHS England determines both the services required in the area and the provider best able to deliver them. Under section 13Q of the National Health Service Act 2006, NHS England is required to involve those to whom the services are being or may be provided in the process of deciding how those services are to be delivered.

Cancer: Health Services

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to NHS England's announcement on 6 December 2016 of an additional £200 million to improve local cancer services, what plans he has to ensure that that money will be used to roll out the Recovery Package and stratified pathways of follow-up care as costed in the Independent Cancer Taskforce report.

David Mowat: The £200 million fund NHS England announced in December 2016 will be available to Cancer Alliances over the next two years to specifically support the areas the Cancer Taskforce strategy estimated would need additional investment including implementing the Recovery Package and rolling out stratified follow up pathways. Initial bids for funding are due on 18 January 2017. Clear guidance has been published and a regional and national panel will assess all bids received. The funding will be signed off by the NHS England Investment Committee.

Radiotherapy

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, for what reason the Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) evidence summary is not appended to the SIRT interim clinical commissioning policy statement on the NHS England website; and if he will make a statement.

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, for what reason stakeholder consultation was not conducted with manufacturers and clinicians during the analysis period for the commissioning through evaluation process for Selective Internal Radiation Therapy; and if he will make a statement.

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the reason is for the time taken for a decision to be made on whether to routinely commission Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) since receipt of the final data analysis on SIRT under the commissioning through evaluation process.

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what funding options are available to cancer patients in the event that funding for Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) is withdrawn during the assessment period for SIRT in the commissioning through evaluation process.

David Mowat: Selective Internal Radiation Therapy is not currently routinely funded by the NHS England. However, it is available via Individual Funding Requests. NHS England has decided not to routinely fund SIRT because there is insufficient evidence of clinical effectiveness. Clinical commissioning policies are developed and determined in line with a published process that has been subject to consultation and developed with the input of public and patient representatives. The process includes a systematic review of the available clinical evidence and stakeholder engagement (including a period of formal public engagement on the draft policy proposition). The procedure is available here:https://www.england.nhs.uk/commissioning/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2016/06/prioritisation-method-cons-response.pdf The evidence review, conducted at the time of the initial publication of NHS England’s clinical commissioning policy which set this position out was omitted from publication in error. However, the evidence is now available on NHS England’s website alongside the policy itself. In order to gather new evidence, NHS England is providing short-term funding to a number of patients as part of the Commissioning through Evaluation (CtE) programme. This is a formal evaluation programme within a small number of participating centres. The recruitment phase of this scheme will be coming to an end shortly, after 3.5 years, enabling the analysis phase to begin. It is expected that over 500 patients will have been recruited to the programme by the end March 2017. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence will act as an independent evaluator and therefore will lead on the production of the final report for the scheme. To ensure that they have a chance to input views, NHS England has agreed that both manufacturers known to have a direct business interest in SIRT will be given an opportunity to comment on this draft report. However, given potential conflicts of interest the CtE Steering Group which includes representation from both patients and national clinical experts will lead in supporting the drafting of the report.

*No heading*

Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many social care workers there are by nationality.

David Mowat: The information is not collected centrally by the Department. Skills for Care, the partner in the sector skills council for social care, in England, collects data on the nationality of the adult social care workforce. The attached table adult social care workforce nationality contains estimated information on the number of direct care roles by nationality.



PQ59582 attached file
(Excel SpreadSheet, 24.86 KB)

Surgery

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many surgical procedures were cancelled in each NHS acute hospital trust in December 2016.

Mr Philip Dunne: NHS England publishes data on the number of cancelled elective operations each quarter. Quarter 3, which includes December 2016, will be published on 10 February 2017. The data will be available via this link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/cancelled-elective-operations/cancelled-ops-data/

Ambulance Services

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many NHS ambulance trusts met their response targets in December 2016.

Mr Philip Dunne: NHS England publish data on the performance of ambulance trusts. The latest data is for November 2016 and is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ambulance-quality-indicators/ Data for December 2016 will be available on 9 February 2017.

NHS: Drugs

Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the cost to the NHS of (a) branded and (b) non-branded inhaled medication in the latest period for which figures are available.

David Mowat: Information for the latest available 12 month period is given in the table below. Net Ingredient Cost (NIC) of inhaled-medication prescription items written in the United Kingdom and dispensed in the community in England, classified as inhaled nebuliser products within British National Formulary sections 3.1.2 Antimuscarinic bronchodilators, 3.1.4 Compound bronchodilator preparations , 3.2 Corticosteroids, and 3.3.1 Cromoglicate and related therapiesPeriodNIC £000’sYearQuarterNon-branded 1Branded 2Total2015420,959.2246,653.5267,612.72016125,205.7226,611.2251,816.92016225,390.8231,223.2256,614.02016325,047.6228,186.1253,233.8Total 3 96,603.3932,674.11,029,277.3Source: Prescription Cost Analysis (PCA) system data provided by NHS DigitalNotes:1 Non-Branded are those drugs prescribed and available generically.2 Branded will include those generics that have been dispensed with a Brand name.3 Total figure may not sum due to rounding. Most inhaled products are licensed with a brand name, so even after the brand originator loses the patent exclusivity and alternative products become available, they usually will have a brand name, therefore their Net Ingredient Cost will be reported against branded spend.

Homeopathy: Prescriptions

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 13 December 2016 to Question 56390, and the Answer of 11 January 2017 to Question 58288, who he has sought advice from in preparing the draft consultation document and impact assessment that are being drafted for the consultation on homeopathy announced in November 2015.

Nicola Blackwood: The draft consultation has been developed by officials in the Department taking into account evidence from independent bodies, including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee. We will be seeking views of interested parties through the consultation process.

Schools: Nurses

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to the report Disability Matters in Britain 2016, what steps his Department is taking to support school nurses and the services they provide to disabled children in schools.

Nicola Blackwood: The Department and Public Health England (PHE) have produced guidance to support both commissioners and local providers including the 0-19 commissioning guidance. The materials are based on evidence and good practice. Key officials at the Department and the team at PHE are working with the Local Government Association and locally through PHE Centres to share evidence and guidance. Generally school nurses are not commissioned to deliver clinical support for children with disabilities, this function would be commissioned by clinical commissioning groups and may be provided by community children’s nurses or specialist school nursing services.

Plastic Surgery

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to tackle illegal genital and other cosmetic surgery practices.

Nicola Blackwood: The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 makes female genital mutilation (FGM) a criminal offence, but sets out the medical circumstances in which surgical operations on the labia majora, labia minora or clitoris are permitted. These circumstances are where the operations are carried out by an approved person (such as a medical professional) and are necessary for a woman or girl's physical or mental health or for purposes connected with labour or child birth. Enforcement of the criminal law is a matter for the police. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Ethics Committee has published a paper on ethical considerations in relation to female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS), which refers to the distinction between this type of surgery and FGM. It states that “All surgeons who undertake FGCS must take appropriate measures to ensure compliance with the FGM Act”.In April 2016, the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) published Professional Standards for Cosmetic Surgery for clinicians working in the cosmetic field. It also launched a patient information hub in June 2016 and has set in place a minimum dataset to assist the collection and collation of data related to cosmetic surgical activity. The General Medical Council (GMC) published new guidance for doctors performing cosmetic procedures which came into effect from 1 June 2016. The Care Quality Commission has also developed a new inspection framework which will take account of the new RCS and GMC requirements. Health Education England (HEE) published qualification requirements for practitioners performing non-surgical cosmetic procedures in 2016. A Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners has recently been established that will look to build on the work of HEE by developing qualification requirements to deliver non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and aim to improve the standards and safety of the cosmetic industry. In addition, NHS Choices is contributing information and advice on cosmetic interventions for the public.

Mental Health

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment his Department has made of the implications for its policies on tackling health inequalities caused by loneliness of the number of people who spent some of the Christmas period alone.

Nicola Blackwood: Social isolation is one of several factors that affects people’s health throughout their lifetime and drives health inequalities. The strategic health inequalities review led by Professor Sir Michael Marmot of University College London (UCL) (Fair Society, Healthy Lives, 2010) reported that low levels of social integration, and loneliness, significantly increase mortality. The earlier Acheson report (Independent Inquiry into Inequalities in Health, 1998) noted the importance of maintaining mobility, independence and social contacts as a way of reducing health inequalities among older people. We have taken a coherent approach to addressing these issues at different stages of life and through key transitions. Practical guidance on the issue has been developed by Public Health England and the UCL Institute of Health Equity (Reducing Social Isolation across the Life course, 2015), as part of a wider effort to reduce local health inequalities.

General Practitioners: Bristol

Karin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the re-registration of patients previously registered at St Martin's GP Surgery, Knowle, Bristol to other surgeries prior to that surgery's closure on 30 December 2016.

David Mowat: NHS England oversees patient re-registration processes and advises that exit planning for St Martin’s Surgery was robust. Patients were provided with support and written to twice with advice on re-registration. NHS England advises that its south west team identified five practices within a two-mile radius of the existing surgery that could take on patients, and that a number of patients registered at these practices. NHS England found that a number of patients were living outside the St Martin’s Surgery boundary and were within the boundaries of other outlying practices. These patients were helped to find another practice. NHS England also identified individual patients who are vulnerable or have long-term conditions and helped them register elsewhere.

Diabetes: Pregnancy

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what specialist support is provided for diabetic patients who are pregnant and receiving care (a) in hospital and (b) at home.

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what specialist support is provided for patients with gestational diabetes who are receiving care (a) in hospital and (b) at home.

Nicola Blackwood: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Guidance NG3, as updated in August 2015, covers the care of diabetic patients who are pregnant, and patients with gestational diabetes. The guidance can be found here:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng3 In addition, there is a specific module of the National Diabetes Audit – the Diabetes and Pregnancy Audit that audits quality of care (including pre-conception care) and outcomes for those who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and are pregnant. Further information on the audit can be found here:http://content.digital.nhs.uk/npid

Visual Impairment

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment his Department has made of potential changes in the level of support for families where children or young people suffer from vision impairment or sight loss so that they can receive habilitation services.

David Mowat: The Children and Families Act 2014 requires local authorities to work with children and young people with special educational needs and disability (SEND), including those with visual impairment, and their parents to develop a Local Offer of the services they have or expect to be available. It is for local authorities, in consultation with children and young people with SEND and their families, to decide which services they offer in their area, which can include habilitation training.

Infant Foods: Northern Ireland

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many retailers in Northern Ireland have been fined for failure to comply with the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2007 in each year since 2007.

Nicola Blackwood: This information is not held centrally. The Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland has not routinely gathered information on prosecutions and has not otherwise been made aware of any such prosecutions in Northern Ireland since 2007.

Infant Foods: Wales

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many retailers in Wales have been fined for not complying with the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula (Wales) Regulations 2007 in each year since 2007.

Nicola Blackwood: This information is not held centrally. The Food Standards Agency in Wales does not routinely collate specific information on businesses that have been prosecuted, and has not otherwise been made aware of any such prosecutions in Wales since 2007.

Infant Foods

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many retailers in England have been fined for failure to comply with the Infant Formula and Follow-on Formula (England) Regulations 2007 in each year since 2007.

Nicola Blackwood: The Food Standards Agency has recently established a central register of successful food law prosecutions and has not been made aware of any such prosecutions in England. Monitoring food businesses to ensure compliance with food legislation is the responsibility of local authorities. Local authorities are also responsible for taking enforcement action, including prosecutions, where non-compliance is found.

NHS: Procurement

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent progress he has made on improving procurement in the NHS; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Philip Dunne: Lord Carter’s Report ‘Operational productivity and performance in English NHS acute hospitals’ recognised the need for making improvements in procurement within the National Health Service. The Department is already working on initiatives that include the new NHS Supply Chain delivery model, the ‘Model Hospital’, Procurement Price Index tools and ‘Scan4Safety’, enabling improved patient safety, clinical productivity and supply chain efficiency.

Accident and Emergency Departments

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what mechanisms are in place to disseminate best practice relating to the provision of accident and emergency care.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Accident and Emergency (A&E) Improvement Plan was launched by NHS England and NHS Improvement in July 2016. It sets out five key initiatives that systems should be adopting across their local Urgent and Emergency Care pathways to improve national performance against the A&E waiting time standard that 95% of patients wait for less than four hours before they are admitted, discharged or transferred to another hospital, by the end of March 2017. As part of the plan, systems are segmented on the basis of performance with targeted support provided by the Emergency Care Improvement Programme and regional NHS England and NHS Improvement teams to unblock barriers, embed best practice and share lessons learnt with the rest of the National Health Service.

Doctors: Training

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to increase the number of medical students going into general practice.

David Mowat: 3,019 medical students were accepted for general practice training in 2016 – the highest number in any year to date. The ‘General Practice Forward View’, published by NHS England in April 2016, set out their plans of delivering growth in the general practitioner (GP) workforce. This includes work by Health Education England (HEE) to increase the number of medical school graduates choosing general practice. HEE is working with the Medical Schools Council, higher education institutions, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the British Medical Association’s General Practitioners Committee to increase the profile of general practice in medical schools. A working group, chaired by Professor Valerie Wass OBE, published recommendations on 8 November 2016. HEE and the RCGP will continue to develop the current recruitment campaign to raise the profile of general practice as a career. The campaign showcases the variety of different opportunities and the flexibility of the specialty, as well as the central role that GPs play in the community and their patients’ care. HEE has recruited and trained 35 campaign ambassadors and advocates to support and promote national and regional activities including attendance at recruitment events and through social media.

Heart Diseases: Children

Dr Tania Mathias: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will publish the evidence indicating the clinical benefits of the co-location of children's services with children congenital heart disease services that supported its inclusion in the final standards for congenital heart disease contained in the New Congenital Heart Disease Review: Final Report.

Mr Philip Dunne: The new congenital heart disease (CHD) standards were approved by the NHS England Board in July 2015. The paper which NHS England’s CHD review team submitted to the Board at that time set out that: “We found no published evidence on the effects of proximity of other services so the proposed standards are based on expert opinion. Our clinical advisers strongly advocated co-location with other paediatric services, though they recognised that not everyone agrees. They considered that while responsiveness was one important factor, it was not the only thing that mattered. Delivering these services effectively requires the input of the wider paediatric multidisciplinary team, and the interaction between these teams on a daily basis, when co-located, is considered to be of significant benefit to patients.” The full paper can be found on NHS England’s website at:https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Item-4-CHD-Report.pdf

NHS: Staff

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many people who joined the NHS workforce in England in the last 12 month period for which figures are available are known to have (a) British nationality, (b) European Economic Area nationality other than British and (c) another nationality.

Mr Philip Dunne: The latest information available is presented in the following table. Joiners to the National Health Service by nationality group, which is self reported, in NHS trusts and clinical commissioning groups in England, 30 September 2015 to 30 September 2016. HeadcountAll nationalities155,997United Kingdom117,795European Economic Area excluding UK15,052Rest of the world13,149Unknown10,024Source: NHS Digital, NHS Hospital & Community Health Service workforce statistics.

Palliative Care: Children

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the increasing cost of providing children's palliative care since 2006-07.

David Mowat: The Department has not made a formal estimate of any increase in the costs of providing children’s palliative care since 2006-07. NHS England is currently reviewing provider costs as part of a review of the national children’s hospice grant. This review will help inform an updated children’s hospice grant allocation formula expected to be introduced for financial year 2017-18.

Pregnancy: Mental Health Services

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the net change has been in the number of in-patient perinatal mental health beds since 2010.

Nicola Blackwood: In 2010 there were 118 beds available. We are advised by NHS England that there are now 117 beds available a net reduction of one bed. This represents an increase of two beds compared to those available in October 2015. NHS England is leading work to create four new 8-bedded mother and baby units in areas with particular access issues. These are the South West, the East of England, the North West and the South East Coast. The procurement process for these units is underway.

Clinical Psychologists

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many clinical psychologists were employed by each local authority in each year since 2010.

Nicola Blackwood: This information is not held centrally.